WASHINGTON—President Biden collapsed on stage at the United States Air Force Academy on Thursday after presenting diplomas to the military academy’s graduates. A group of officials assisted the president up, and the White House stated he was alright.
At the age of 80, Biden delivered the commencement address at the Colorado Springs, Colo., school and then lingered near the front of the stage for approximately two hours, greeting the new graduates and shaking their hands.
Biden looked to trip over a black sandbag placed on the stage at the end of the ceremony. Biden, who was wearing a blue Air Force ball cap, appeared to point to the sandbag after falling to his knees and being pulled up.
Ben LaBolt, White House communications director, tweeted that Biden was “fine.” While he was shaking hands, there was a sandbag on stage.”
Republicans have pushed to highlight Biden’s age ahead of the presidential election in 2024. A video of Biden’s fall was shared on Twitter by the Republican National Committee.
Biden has replied to criticisms about his age and suitability for office by citing examples of his expertise and performance, such as his surprise trip to Ukraine in February. In a February interview with ABC News, he acknowledged age inquiries were “legitimate,” adding, “The only thing I can say is, ‘Watch me.'”
Biden was dismounting from his bicycle near his vacation home in Delaware in June 2022 when he fell. In a separate incident, he fell while boarding Air Force One during a trip to Atlanta in March 2021. He was unharmed on both occasions.
Biden suffered a hairline fracture to his right foot while playing with his dog, Major, during his presidential transition and had to wear a walking boot for many weeks.
Biden told over 900 cadets at Falcon Stadium on Thursday that they had “made a noble choice to lead a life of service,” adding that they “shoulder a great privilege and a mighty responsibility.”
Later that day, as he returned to the White House, Biden joked to reporters, “I got sandbagged.”
