A White House aide confirmed that President Joe Biden is “fine” after falling on the stage during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony.
After shaking the hands of over 900 graduates, Biden turned his head to return to his chair and began to move as if he were going to run. Then he appeared to fall down and trip on the stage.
Biden, who is 80 years old, was lifted up by two Secret Service agents of the United States and an Air Force official. He then pointed at something on the stage that he might have tripped.
Ben LaBolt is the White House Communications Director. He retweeted an article about this incident, and stated that Biden was fine.
Biden continued to speak with the graduates and take photos, even after returning to his seat. He began to jog as he left the event.
Later, he boarded Air Force One and flew back to Washington. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, told reporters that Biden was “totally fine” and pointed out that he boarded the plane with a smile.
Biden was injured when he fell from his bike last year during a trip to his Delaware home.
Biden’s reelection bid was questioned about his fitness to run for another four-year period. Recent Washington Post/ABC News poll showed that 33% of Americans believe that Biden is physically fit enough to be president. This compares with 64% who said the same about Donald Trump.
In February, the president’s doctor said that Biden is still “fit” to perform his duties as president.
In a five page memo, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said that President Biden is a healthy and vigorous 80-year old male who is fit to perform the duties of the presidency.
O’Connor stated that his assessment was based upon a “comprehensive” review of Biden’s health history, and a thorough physical examination which included consultations with specialists at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center located in Bethesda.
