Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Joe Biden at Trinity College Dublin. Alamy
Biden His Time
'Blood on your hands': Two detained at TCD protest sparked by Joe Biden’s surprise visit
As if Dublin wasn’t busy enough this week, the capital is also briefly hosting the former US president and his family.
LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago
TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested during a protest at Trinity College Dublin today, sparked by the surprise visit of former US president Joe Biden.
Biden is visiting the capital with his family, as his son, Hunter Biden, received a gold medal at an event earlier today organised by The Hist, one of the university’s debating societies.
Protesters gathered at Trinity College Dublin this afternoon, delivering anti-war speeches.
Students passing by the Examination Hall venue where the event took place were initially surprised to see the former US president on their campus.
As the afternoon went on, the crowd grew bigger and the protests became more heated, with people shouting “blood, blood on your hands” and “shame on you”.
Around six gardaí can be seen tackling two protesters, both of whom were put to the ground. One garda can be seen using a baton on one of the protesters being detained.
Gardaí can also be seen shouting “get back” to the crowd as it becomes more animated.
As Biden left the venue, some people moved forward and objects were thrown.
A number of gardaí public order unit vans and officers were on site and at least two arrests were made.
A statement from An Garda Síochána following a request from The Journal read: “Gardaí responded to reports of an incident in Trinity College, Dublin 2, today, 10 November 2026. There is no further information.”
Biden was accompanied by five blacked-out vehicles and a close protection detail, with a strong garda presence at the event.
The Journal was told that Biden appeared frail and moved slowly before waving to a small group of students.
The Taoiseach met Biden in The Merrion Hotel earlier today, where the two men had coffee and discussed matters such as the Northern Ireland peace process and ongoing reconciliation, though it is believed the events around the Garvaghy Road did not feature.
Biden asked Martin about the EPC and the EU presidency events taking place this week and how that was going for Ireland. Other international issues were also discussed, according to a government spokesperson who said they also chatted about each other’s families.
In a post on X, Micheál Martin welcomed Biden and his family to Dublin, posing for a picture with his wife Jill and daughter Ashley.
“We reflected on his strong Irish roots and previous visits, appreciating his lifelong support for Ireland,” he wrote.
Very pleased to welcome former US President @JoeBiden and his family to Dublin. We reflected on his strong Irish roots and previous visits, appreciating his lifelong support for Ireland. https://t.co/aol5ikpih5
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 10, 2026
The spokesperson said it was “catch up” between the two men who have met on multiple occasions before. When asked did they discuss the All Ireland final, the government spokesperson said he believed there was some mention of Mayo.
Asked if the Taoiseach had received a copy of Biden’s new book, the government spokesperson said: “I don’t know about that now”.
Hunter Biden received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse from The Hist. The society, founded in 1770, is the oldest student debating society in the world.
In a post on Instagram, the society wrote: “Biden’s recent advocacy on the state of American politics and media as well as for matters of addiction and recovery make him a commendable figure.
“In this spirit, we recognise him as our latest recipient of the Gold Medal.”
Additional reporting by Niall O’Connor, Christina Finn and Press Association
have your say