Cancer-stricken Biden makes surprise Ireland appearance weeks after saying illness 'slows me down'
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Former US President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance in Ireland on Tuesday, November 10, to support his son, Hunter Biden, at an award ceremony, weeks after revealing that his cancer diagnosis had slowed him down and would limit his public appearances.
The 83-year-old travelled to Dublin to watch Hunter receive the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse from Trinity College Dublin’s College Historical Society.
Biden’s appearance came after he said he would be unable to participate in as many promotional conversations as planned for his upcoming memoir, 'Promise Me, America', which is scheduled for release on November 17.
The former president had previously disclosed that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones and that he was undergoing radiation and hormone therapy.
Joe Biden makes surprise trip to Ireland
Biden’s visit was revealed by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who welcomed the former president and his family to Dublin in a social media post.
“Very pleased to welcome former US President @JoeBiden and his family to Dublin,” Martin wrote, adding that they had reflected on Biden’s Irish roots and his longstanding support for the country.
Very pleased to welcome former US President @JoeBiden and his family to Dublin. We reflected on his strong Irish roots and previous visits, appreciating his lifelong support for Ireland. https://t.co/aol5ikpih5
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 10, 2026
Biden was accompanied by former first lady Jill Biden and their daughter, Ashley.
He was also seen sitting in the front row alongside Hunter’s wife, Melissa, and their son, Beau, during the ceremony.
The former president appeared emotional as Hunter accepted the medal and was seen blowing his son a kiss.
A spokesperson for Biden confirmed that he had travelled overseas to attend the event.
“President Biden is supporting his son Hunter who received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Culture and Public Discourse from Trinity College Dublin,” spokesperson TJ Ducklo told the New York Post.
Hunter Biden receives Trinity College gold medal
Hunter received the Gold Medal from the College Historical Society, also known as the Hist, which was founded in 1770 and is described as the world’s oldest student debating society.
The college said Hunter’s recent advocacy on American politics and media, along with his public comments on addiction and recovery, made him a commendable recipient of the award.
JUST NOW: Joe Biden breaks down in tears as he surprises his son Hunter Biden in Dublin, who is receiving a student award at Trinity College. Hunter was awarded the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution for Public Discourse. Love this! https://t.co/zbQ8UHCxel
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) November 10, 2026
Previous recipients of the honour include Burmese democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi.
Hunter expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying he was honoured and happy to return to Ireland with his family.
Joe Biden details cancer impact on memoir tour
The Ireland trip comes after Biden acknowledged that his cancer diagnosis had affected his ability to maintain his planned public schedule.
In a post on X, he said the disease “slows me down” and explained that he would not be able to participate in as many conversations about his memoir as he had initially hoped.
I want to share a brief update. My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation. What we stand for. And America's role in the world. More than anything, it's about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy. While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families. My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment. And the prayers and kind words and well wishes from so many of you have meant more to me and Jill and our family than you can ever know. Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves. Looking forward, I'm going to keep following what my father told me a long time ago: "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up." It's a good lesson for me. And for America. We are blessed. America is the most unique nation on earth. Unlike other countries, we're built on an idea. An idea bigger than any ocean. More powerful than any army. Stronger than any tyrant or dictator. That idea? All of us are created equal. Promise Me, America, we'll never forget it.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8, 2026
“What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves,” he wrote.
Despite scaling back his memoir-related appearances, Biden made the journey to Ireland, a country he has frequently spoken about because of his family ancestry. His ancestors came from County Mayo and County Louth.
The visit also drew protests outside the ceremony, with demonstrators criticising US foreign policy.
