White House Changes How Biden Approaches Marine One in Attempt to Hide the Truth: Report

President Joe Biden will now receive assistance when moving to and from Marine One at the White House, as close aides aim to shield his movements from media scrutiny, a recent report reveals.
Throughout his presidency, the 81-year-old has garnered attention for his challenges with fine motor skills, including several instances of stumbling while boarding Air Force One and Marine One, as well as concerns about his gait during crossings of the South Lawn.
Biden's movements have been described as unsteady, wobbly, and less fluid than before, prompting his team to implement new measures to minimize attention on his gait.
Joe Biden’s new ‘boat anchor’ shoes meant for maximum ‘stability’ as president’s falls spark concern https://t.co/dPx2a7URNL pic.twitter.com/ZTdiSf278W
— New York Post (@nypost) March 18, 2024
According to a report from Axios by Hans Nichols and Alex Thompson, Biden will no longer walk alone to and from Marine One but will have aides positioned between him and journalists' cameras to downplay any visual indications of his age-related difficulties.
HAPPENING NOW: President Biden ignores reporters as he leaves off the South Lawn, en route to Florida with his handlers and staff members in tow. pic.twitter.com/B2oq38aDqT
— MONICA PAIGE✰OANN (@MonicaPaigeTV) April 23, 2024
The report highlights concerns among some of Biden's advisers that videos showing him walking alone, especially on grassy terrain, have emphasized his age and physical limitations.
In addressing noticeable changes in Biden's gait, his doctors have attributed them to conditions such as "spinal arthritis" and "mild sensory peripheral neuropathy of the feet." Biden now frequently wears specialized shoes for added support and stability.
Biden once again takes no questions as he boards Air Force One using the shorter stairs on the belly of the plane pic.twitter.com/yx26yoWAiH
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 20, 2023
Axios observed Biden's recent walks to Marine One and noted a shift in travel protocol, with the president being accompanied by aides or lawmakers during most of his trips since mid-April, compared to earlier instances where he walked alone or with a family member.
US president Joe Biden stumbles on the steps to his Air Force One plane, but appears unhurt and carries on unaided.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 19, 2021
Watch more videos from Sky News: https://t.co/bcUgGaimHH pic.twitter.com/G9Pm2qMJeA
Biden falls up the stairs to Air Force One AGAIN today! This guy needs the stair lift! And, where’s faithful caregiver Docta Jill to hold him up? pic.twitter.com/sPcVUJ8OBO
— Ens. Ardon Rector Ives (@ArdonIves) February 23, 2023
The change in approach follows Biden's earlier shift to using a lower staircase to board Air Force One, a modification made after publicized incidents of difficulty navigating the taller staircase. However, even with this adjustment, Biden faced challenges during a trip in February when he nearly lost his footing while descending the lower staircase.