Washington: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris abruptly cancelled their holiday plans on Friday, sparking speculation about an unfolding situation at the White House. Neither has made a public statement, leaving the nation to speculate about the sudden change in schedule.
Biden, who was set to spend Christmas in Delaware, reportedly returned to Washington, DC, heading directly to the White House from the airport late in the evening. Harris, likewise, cancelled her planned trip to California and remained in the capital.
Originally scheduled to stay in Los Angeles until Monday, Harris did not explain her last-minute change of plans. This has led many to question whether the ongoing political turmoil over government funding is behind the shift.
With the deadline for a potential government shutdown looming on Friday, her decision to forgo her West Coast visit has added to the uncertainty surrounding the Biden administration’s approach to resolving the budget standoff.
Netizens float theories
The abrupt schedule changes have ignited widespread speculation on social media. One user highlighted inconsistencies in the president’s official schedule, writing, “The schedule initially showed Biden returning to the White House at 5:30 pm, but it has recently been updated.”
🚨 NEW: Kamala Harris just abruptly cancelled her planned trip to California and “raced to the White House,” per reporters
Biden also just returned to DC, after being expected to stay in Delaware until after Christmas
Is something going on? pic.twitter.com/bDVBOpco1q
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 20, 2024
Another user remarked, “Kamala Harris cancelled her trip, rushing back to the White House…WHAT IS HAPPENING?” The lack of transparency has left many questioning whether the changes are linked to Hurricane Helene briefings or some other undisclosed matter.
What’s going on? 🤔
Earlier today, Kamala Harris canceled her flight to California where she was headed for the weekend. This is her motorcade swiftly arriving at the White House.
Biden, reportedly meant to be in Delaware until Christmas, also returned to the White House. It… pic.twitter.com/1Wuwp4WKdZ
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) December 20, 2024
Meanwhile, some users shared images of a purported White House press release stating, “The Vice President will not travel to Los Angeles, CA, and will remain in Washington, DC.”
US budget crisis
Republicans are locked in an internal conflict over a budget deal negotiated between Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrats, intended to prevent a government shutdown. Critics have condemned the proposal for being rushed through Congress, arguing that lawmakers were not given adequate time to review it thoroughly.
Complicating matters, Republicans, led by President-elect Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, introduced an alternative funding bill. However, the plan was swiftly rejected in the House, with several Republicans voting against it, deepening the partisan divide.
Democrats, particularly those aligned with Vice President Kamala Harris, voiced frustration that the bipartisan agreement—once seen as a potential compromise—was derailed after Musk openly opposed it on X, the social media platform he owns. The standoff has heightened tensions on Capitol Hill as the shutdown deadline looms.
Harris has not publicly addressed the issue, but insiders suggest she is carefully considering her political trajectory, according to The Blaze. Following a turbulent election season, Harris has reportedly confided to allies her intention to remain a significant force in American politics.
Some speculate she may explore a gubernatorial campaign in California, while others believe she could assume a more prominent role in countering the incoming Trump administration, The Blaze reported.
“She is not someone who makes rash decisions,” said former Harris aide Brian Brokaw. “She takes, sometimes, a painfully long time to make decisions. So I would pretty much guarantee you she has no idea what her next move is.”
With the deadline for a government shutdown fast approaching, all eyes will be on Harris and her next steps as the political drama continues to unfold in Washington.
