Biden Official ‘Booted’ from Beach by Lifeguard

Former Biden Secretary of State Antony Blinken found himself in an embarrassing situation Friday after being asked to leave Georgica Beach in East Hampton as lifeguards enforced closures tied to Hurricane Erin’s dangerous conditions.

Witnesses say Blinken, 63, was lounging barefoot in a beach chair with a friend, sipping bottled water and chatting casually as if nothing was wrong — despite posted warnings and local advisories.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said longtime East Hampton resident Carol Dwyer. “Everyone knows the beaches were closed. Then I see Blinken sitting there like he owns the place. The lifeguard had to tell him twice to move.”

Hurricane Erin battered much of the Northeast last week, sending massive waves and storm surges crashing onto Long Island shores. Suffolk County officials ordered strict closures across multiple beaches, including Georgica.

“The beaches were closed to all foot traffic until midday Friday,” an East Hampton Village spokesperson confirmed. “Rip currents, debris, and storm surge made it too dangerous. Our first priority was keeping everyone safe.”

Despite these warnings, Blinken and his friend were photographed collecting their beach chairs, shoes, and bags as a patrol truck waited nearby.

This isn’t the first time Blinken’s personal choices have drawn criticism.

• In August 2021, Blinken vacationed in the Hamptons just hours before Taliban insurgents seized Kabul — a disastrous moment in U.S. foreign policy.
• In May 2024, he faced backlash after strumming his guitar in a Kyiv bar while Russian missiles pounded Ukrainian cities. “Americans are struggling here at home, and Blinken’s putting on concerts overseas,” one conservative commentator said at the time.

“Blinken has a history of ignoring real-world consequences,” said former Trump adviser Stephen Miller. “While President Trump is securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and rebuilding American energy dominance, Blinken’s focused on photo ops and beach days.”

Since leaving the Biden administration, Blinken has largely kept a low profile. But incidents like this keep pulling him back into the spotlight.

“This shows how out of touch the old Biden team still is,” said Republican strategist Kellyanne Conway. “While Americans face real challenges, Blinken is busy getting kicked off beaches.”

President Trump, who was briefed on the situation, has so far stayed silent. However, sources close to the administration suggest the episode underscores why Trump remains highly critical of Biden-era officials and their “elitist attitudes.”

Officials continue to warn New Yorkers to exercise caution as Erin’s aftermath lingers. Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to “stay vigilant,” warning of dangerous currents, debris, and potential flooding in coastal areas through the weekend.

For now, Blinken has not issued a public statement regarding the beach incident.