While news of Donald Trump’s latest indictment was making waves on cable news, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were enjoying a summer blockbuster, Oppenheimer. But instead of watching it at the White House, they opted for a public screening at Atlantic Theaters Movies at Midway in Rehoboth Beach, DE, where they were vacationing. According to a White House pool report, Biden found the movie to be compelling. The Bidens sat seven rows back, occupying half a row, and remained in their seats throughout the screening.
The theater is also screening another summer hit, Barbie, but it’s unclear if the Bidens have seen that film. A recent screening in Washington, D.C. attracted media and political figures, with a pre-showing event at the British Ambassador’s residence. The White House often hosts screenings of movies related to current issues. In June, they screened the Disney+/Hulu project Flamin’ Hot on the South Lawn. The First Family also has a theater at the White House, which has been used as a cloak room and for viewing recent releases sent by studios.
The administration has also participated in a special screening of Oppenheimer, with the State Department’s Mallory Stewart delivering remarks at a showing of the film in D.C. last week. “Part of what this movie is doing is also raising awareness, and that – in itself – is an arms control concept,” she said.
