President Joe Biden welcomed his first great-grandchild on Wednesday after his granddaughter Naomi Biden gave birth in California. The historic moment makes Biden the first modern U.S. president to have a great-grandchild born while in office.
“The good news is I’m a great-grandfather as of today,” Biden told reporters during a briefing with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials about the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. Initially announcing the baby as a girl, Biden quickly corrected himself, confirming the birth of “a 10-pound, 4-ounce baby boy.”
First Lady Jill Biden later shared a photo of herself and the president holding their great-grandson on Instagram, captioning it, “We are proud to introduce you to our great-grandson: William Brannon Neal, IV.”
The newborn’s name appears to honor his father’s late brother, Willie Neal, who passed away at age 19 in a car accident in Maine over 15 years ago.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Biden expressed his excitement about the new addition to the family. “I’m about to be a great-grandfather, Jesus God,” he said, adding that he planned to visit Naomi in California ahead of her scheduled cesarean on January 8.
“God willing,” he added, anticipating the safe arrival of the baby.
The birth comes just over two years after President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Naomi Biden’s wedding to Peter Neal at the White House. The family now celebrates another milestone, further marking their time in the White House with this joyful occasion.
