Former President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance Tuesday morning in Boston to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, joining the Irish American Partnership’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. The event was held at the InterContinental Boston Hotel in the Seaport District, and Biden’s unscheduled participation was confirmed by Dorchester Reporter editor Bill Forry, who shared a photo of the former president at the event on X.
Biden appeared alongside former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, who also served as a Massachusetts state representative. As he made his way to the podium, Biden received a standing ovation, The Boston Globe reported.
In his speech, Biden reflected on his Irish ancestors who fled the Great Famine in the mid-1850s and immigrated to the United States. He referenced his 2023 visit to Ballina, the Irish town where one of his great-grandfathers emigrated in 1850, drawing parallels between his ancestors’ experiences and those faced by immigrants today.
“Let’s not lose sight of the bonds we share with today’s immigrants, families who are enduring fear and violence at the hands of our government,” Biden said, alluding to the immigration policies under President Donald Trump. “That’s not who we are. That’s not who America is.”
Despite addressing these challenges, Biden’s tone remained hopeful. He encouraged Americans to “summon the Irish optimism about the world of unlimited possibilities,” according to The Boston Globe.
Additionally, Biden highlighted Boston’s significance in Irish American history, referencing the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day and the enduring local traditions that celebrate Irish heritage.
“Our ancestors, they knew America’s not a fairy tale. We’re not guaranteed a fairy tale ending,” Biden stated. “But maybe it’s the Irish in me that’s led me to believe that the America of our dreams is always closer than we think.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who also has Irish immigrant roots, spoke at the event as well. She embraced the deep connections between Massachusetts and Ireland, joking that Boston “knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day better than anyone else in this country.”
Echoing Biden’s sentiments on immigration, Healey urged Americans with immigrant backgrounds to reflect on their family histories amid today’s challenges.
“We see immigrants being demonized, intimidated, and in many cases being treated so, so unjustly, and in ways that are truly un-American,” Healey said. “Many of our common ancestors did not receive the warmest welcome. Let us learn from our mistakes.”
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/03/17/former-president-biden-makes-surprise-st-patricks-day-appearance-in-boston/
