The recent visit by former President Joe Biden turned chaotic when pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with his security as he attended an event honoring his son Hunter at Trinity College Dublin.
Protesters chanted phrases like “Genocide Joe” and “shame on you” while objects, including milk cartons, flew toward the former president’s group. Reports indicate that while a police officer was wet during the incident, Biden himself was not directly hit.
On Wednesday, Irish authorities confirmed the arrest of three men involved in the protests. The oldest individual faces court proceedings, while the others were released without charges.
At the awards ceremony, which featured Hunter being honored with the College Historical Society’s Gold Medal, tensions boiled over as Hunter defended his father’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
“I think that my dad tried to make the best decisions at the time with the information that he had,” Hunter remarked, urging attention toward the previous administration’s record. He condemned the violence in Gaza but called for a focus on present events rather than legacy blame.
WATCH:
Objects were thrown as former US President Joe Biden and Jill Biden left Trinity College Dublin today.
Pro-Palestinian protesters had gathered outside, and Gardaí arrested at least two people. https://t.co/GxS2NuHUlj
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 10, 2026
This isn’t the first time Biden has faced backlash regarding his administration’s military support for Israel, especially following his comments casting doubt on Gaza Health Ministry casualty figures.
During the event, an unexpected round of applause greeted Biden when he made his entrance. He watched intently as Hunter shared a personal narrative about battling addiction, showcasing a family moment that drew both emotion and a standing ovation.
Hunter’s award came after significant legal troubles, including his pardoning by his father and charges related to federal firearms and taxes.
Additionally, this trip followed Biden’s announcement that his health concerns would limit his promotional activities for his forthcoming memoir, “Promise Me, America.”
During his stay in Dublin, Biden met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who praised the former president’s contributions to Ireland’s peace process, particularly during Brexit negotiations.
“Biden’s intervention was vital in safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement during a tumultuous time,” Martin noted, emphasizing how impactful Biden’s support has been for Ireland.
