First lady Dr. Jill Biden is set to host a fundraiser in Paris while leading the US delegation to the Olympic Games opening ceremony later this month. The event, organized by the Biden-Harris campaign, will be hosted by former US Ambassador to the EU Tony Gardner, Belinda de Gaudemar, and Lorna Johnson. Tickets for the fundraiser range from $500 to $25,000.
As per federal election law, only Americans can donate to US campaigns. Attendees will be required to show a copy of their passport photo page to ensure compliance with this regulation.
Amid a period of declining donations for Biden's campaign, her attendance at the fundraiser comes at a crucial juncture for her husband's candidacy. The first lady, a key advisor to the president, has been actively supporting his campaign efforts by engaging with various coalitions across the country.
Dr. Biden will lead the US delegation at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris on July 26. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff will head the delegation for the closing ceremony on August 11. Additionally, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will lead delegations to the Paralympic Games opening and closing ceremonies in August.
During her visit to Paris, the first lady is expected to attend various Olympic events, showing her support for American athletes on behalf of the Biden administration. This is not the first time Dr. Biden has taken on such a role, as she previously led the US delegation to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which were rescheduled to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Dr. Biden brought a sense of normalcy to the games, which were held under strict Covid protocols. She cheered on Team USA athletes, providing encouragement and support in the absence of their families due to restrictions. The first lady also participated in a Zoom pep rally to boost the morale of Team USA.
It is worth noting that the US opted for a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to human rights concerns in China. Dr. Biden's previous experience includes attending the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games when she served as the second lady.
