Democrat President Joe Biden was in Los Angeles over the weekend for lavish Hollywood elite fundraisers.
Joined by First Lady Jill Biden, the president headed to the California city to raise funds for his embattled 2024 re-election campaign.
Ahead of the events, outlets in Southern California were warning of massive traffic delays due to the presidential motorcade passing through the area.
President Biden to visit L.A. for Hollywood fundraiser: Brace yourself for traffic headaches https://t.co/CARYlFGW0D
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) December 8, 2023
“For security reasons, there is no advance announcement to the public regarding ramp closures related to a visit by a U.S. president or vice president,” said Caltrans spokesperson Marc Bischoff.
“The LAPD or other enforcement personnel make rolling closures at ramps along a motorcade route, with no advance announcement to the public.”
“Bischoff recommends that motorists check traffic information, including the Caltrans website, prior to leaving for their destination,” it added.
“Lunch Bucket” @JoeBiden Turns to his rich #Hollywood Elite friends like @robreiner for Fundraiser as Job Approval Craters to Lowest of Presidency https://t.co/aF4XAXP2qe via @HeyItsDavidNg #Breitbart #Democrats #Oligarchs
— Joe Allen 🇮🇱 (@RangerJoe79) December 8, 2023
Ahead of the event, state officials issued a warning of a crackdown on protests against Biden and Hollywood celebrities.
“As President Biden arrives in L.A. for a star-studded Hollywood fundraiser, the LAPD is warning protesters that ‘violence of any kind will not be tolerated,'” ABC 7 reported.
“The department promising stepped-up enforcement,” it noted, pushing back after several pro-Palestinian protests at recent political events.
As President Biden arrives in L.A. for a star-studded Hollywood fundraiser, the LAPD is warning protesters that “violence of any kind will not be tolerated.” The department promising stepped-up enforcement. How the president’s visit could impact you. This morning at 6 from ABC7 pic.twitter.comd/JF5qmEC8qd
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) December 8, 2023
The Bidens began their whirlwind 36-hour tour of Los Angeles after landing on the West Coast on Friday, eventually hitting six private fundraising events.
They also attended the shiva of TV icon Norman Lear.
Lear died last Tuesday at age 101.
The couple kicked off a weekend of fundraising activity by speaking at a Holmby Hills event.
It was hosted by celebrity interior designer Michael Smith and his partner, James Costos, a former HBO executive and the former U.S. Ambassador to Spain.
Also in attendance were Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg, Shonda Rhimes, Rob Reiner, David Geffen, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
That Friday event, which featured a headline performance by Lenny Kravitz and was co-hosted by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), raised $8 million for the Biden campaign, the Associated Press reported
After a weekend of schmoozing with the Hollywood elite, Biden departed Los Angeles on Sunday with his re-election campaign more than $15 million flusher, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The trip comes as Biden could face an impeachment inquiry vote in the House in the coming week over allegations related to international business deals involving his son Hunter.
The move also comes as Biden seeks to deal with a dropping approval rating and low poll numbers with primary voting beginning in Iowa next month.
The trip could cause more than traffic problems for Americans, however, as the fundraising will fund his campaign push for a second term in 2024.
