Obama Faces Backlash After 60th Birthday Plans Inviting Hundreds To Martha’s Vineyard Surfaces

Former President Barack Obama is facing backlash Monday after his plans for his 60th birthday featuring an extensive guest list at Martha’s Vineyard appeared online.

Axios reported Obama will welcome more than 600 guests to his $12 million Massachusetts estate, which sits on 30 acres of land. The party will take place outdoors, and guests will be asked to get vaccinated.

However, Martha’s Vineyard became a trending topic on Twitter, with people bashing the former president for hosting a party amid rising COVID-19 cases fueled by the more transmissible Delta variant.

“While Black America deals with mass evictions and a pandemic, this is what Obama’s PR team allows to be released? ‘Obama is throwing his 60th birthday bash on Martha’s Vineyard with hundreds of guests amid Delta variant concerns,’” the individual wrote.

I'm also turning sixty this month. Big @BarackObama fan but am shocked to hear about the #birthdaypartyof 500-plus at Martha’s Vineyard. I'm vaccinated and canceled a party of four. #Obamassixtieth
— Laurie Wiegler Leonard (@WriterWeegs) August 2, 2021

Is this really a good time to have 475 of your closest friends over for a birthday bash, even outdoors on 30 Martha’s Vineyard acres? Not if we listen to the Biden admin.

Obama's 60th birthday bash: 475 guests amid Biden admin's Delta escalation (VIP)https://t.co/3JDmK1jylw pic.twitter.com/PRKKHws5hU
— Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) August 2, 2021

One post begged people to stay home to avoid further spreading the virus in the area. “I live on Martha’s Vineyard. We only have 12 hospital beds. We are overwhelmed by unvaccinated tourists, PLEASE don’t come,” read the tweet.

A source revealed 475 guests have already confirmed their attendance while more than 200 staffers are expected to work the event. The guest list will feature a variety of people close to Obama, including family, friends, and former aides.

President Joe Biden won’t be among the guests traveling to Martha’s Vineyard for the bash.

“While President Biden is unable to attend this weekend, he looks forward to catching up with former President Obama soon and properly welcoming him into the over-sixty club,” a White House spokesperson said in a statement.

Those close to Obama revealed there will be a COVID-coordinator to make sure proper protocols are followed and guests will be tested.

Infectious disease experts told the Boston Herald that the vaccine is “still doing an amazing job at preventing the most severe illness" as Massachusetts has reported 6,373 breakthrough cases out of more than 4.3 million people.