President Obama’s plans to spend two uninterrupted weeks vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard have been interrupted — but the White House isn’t saying why.
The president, originally slated to stay in the Massachusetts enclave Aug. 9–24, will return to Washington on Sunday, Aug. 17, “to attend meetings at the White House,” according to an aide.
{mosads}The president will remain in town until Tuesday, Aug. 19, when he’s scheduled to travel back to Martha’s Vineyard.
The White House provided no additional details about what necessitated the change in travel plans. Congress began its five-week recess on Friday night.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest offered little new insight when pressed Thursday about the return to Washington.
“The president wanted to take advantage of a little time, not next week but the week after, to do a day or two of in-person meetings here at the White House,” Earnest said.
The press secretary said the change in schedule was “not in relation to an emergent situation,” noting plans were being made weeks in advance.
“But this is an opportunity for the president to do some in-person meetings here at the White House just for a day or two before he returns to Martha’s Vineyard,” he said.
The president has traveled to Martha’s Vineyard every summer of his presidency, with the exception of the 2012 campaign year. Last year, he continued with his vacation despite spiraling violence in Egypt.
Even while on the island, the president will put in some hours working. In addition to the customary daily presidential briefings, Obama will attend a fundraiser benefiting House Democrats on Aug. 11.
The Boston Globe first reported the president’s amended travel plans.
While on Martha’s Vineyard, the Obamas are expected to stay at the 8,100-square foot mansion of Democratic donor Joanne Hubschman, according to the Vineyard Gazette. The three-story compound features a pool, hot tub, indoor gym, and basketball and tennis courts.
This story was updated on Aug. 7 at 1:43 p.m.