Biden flanked by aides on walks across White House lawn to block cameras catching him shuffling

The reason for a major change in US President Joe Biden’s walking routine that sparked rampant speculation has now been revealed.

No longer flying solo.

President Joe Biden is now being accompanied to and from the South Lawn to board Marine One by a phalanx of staffers — in a bid to keep the press from focusing on the commander in chief’s halting, shuffling gait that is a constant reminder of his advanced age.

The 81-year-old Mr Biden, the oldest-ever chief executive, had typically taken the walk to the presidential helicopter alone or with members of his family over his first three years in office.

However, aides began flanking him around mid-April, attracting rampant press speculation.

Staff walk alongside Joe Biden from Marine One the White House. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

On Friday, in one of the clearest examples yet of the new routine, six staffers including press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre positioned themselves between Mr Biden and the waiting cameras and microphones upon his return to the nation’s capital from New York.

Axios reported on Friday morning that some Biden aides believe the change shows the President to appear more agile and expect the practice to continue.

In March, the President was seen walking to and from Marine One five times — either by himself or in the company of relatives.

But since April 16, the President has made the trip to the chopper with his staff or lawmakers nine out of 10 times.

“He’s fully visible except for a few seconds,” White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates mocked the speculation about the meaning of Mr Biden’s new blockers. “Impeach.”

An administration official also pushed back by insisting that Mr Biden made the change to reflect a “less formal” crossing of the lawn to the helicopter.

“Weeks ago the President mentioned to aides that he’d prefer a less formal approach and said they should just walk with him,” an official said.

HAPPENING NOW: President Biden returns back to the White House.

Aides and staffers seemingly wait for him to get off Marine One before heading inside.

This appears to be the new strategy the admin is taking in order for Biden to avoid questions and distract from age concerns. pic.twitter.com/gPqs1psTsj

— MONICA PAIGE✰OANN (@MonicaPaigeTV) April 26, 2024

The President has held the fewest White House press conferences or formal interviews of any commander-in-chief in modern history, often forcing the press corps to shout questions at him as he dashes across the South Lawn to board Marine One.

Reporters and photographers had speculated that one possible reason for Mr Biden’s staff walking shoulder-to-shoulder with him on approach to the helicopter was to prevent him from veering toward the press to chat.

Short question-and-answer sessions, generally on the lawn, are by far the President’s most common form of press engagement.

As the nation approaches the election, the reported reason actually is concern about his age, which has been highlighted especially in the last year.

First Lady Jill Biden has frequently accompanied her husband off the dais at events — and has positioned herself to help shut down press conferences that could give the President’s critics more evidence that his age is a political liability.

Jill Biden’s presence also generally indicates Mr Biden won’t talk when walking to the helicopter.

Aides believe it shows the President to appear more agile. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

His staff has also since taken steps to help prevent the President from tripping.

Mr Biden has been seen wearing shoes that provide him with extra, but necessary, support, according to Axios.

He has also been seen boarding Air Force One through its rear entrance — which requires the use of shorter, less steep stairs — after he was captured numerous times on video stumbling while he climbed longer stairs while entering the plane.

Mr Biden is also reported to be regularly doing physical therapy and stretching exercises.

While the President’s team continues to work to change the public’s perception of his fitness, the Biden campaign has also leaned into using his age as an asset during the election cycle.

Just last month, Mr Biden narrated a campaign ad in which he emphasised that his age and experience are actually strengths that help him “get things done”.

“Look, I’m not a young guy. That’s no secret,” says Mr Biden in a new 60-second spot called “For You” — part of a new $US30 million ($46 million) advertising buy in battleground states. “But here’s the deal — I understand how to get things done for the American people.”

Steven Nelson contributed to this report

This article originally appeared on NY Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Biden flanked by aides on walks across White House lawn to block cameras catching him shuffling