Joe Biden is set to miss the 9/11 memorial service in New York this weekend, as the White House is said to be "limiting his public appearances" in order to avoid gaffes.
Peggy Grande, former long term adviser to Ronald Reagan, told GB News that the White House is taking a "basement strategy" approach - keeping him out of the public eye.
She noted that "the more he's been in the public eye the lower he drops in the polls".
Grande said that an appearance from Biden would also remind the public that "9/11 families have certainly been ignored".
Peggy Grande, former long term adviser to Ronald Reagan, told GB News that the White House is taking a 'basement strategy' approach
PA
She added: "After 9/11, Americans always said 'never forget' - but Biden always forgets".
While Biden has said he will be observing the anniversary at a military base in Alaska, Grande said the White House may be preparing to announce that he isn't going at all.
She explained: "In the past they’ve said it would be easier for him to do stuff on Zoom - so I honestly think they’re laying the foundation for him to not even show up.
When asked if this is going to increase as time goes on, she said: "Yes. We’ve seen it increasingly I’ve the last six months to a year.
"We've seen major cognitive decline with the President. His physical capacities are much more limited."
Grande explained that the White House is trying to avoid a repeat of the Medal of Honour ceremony when the President walked out early instead of standing on stage.
He left the ceremony early, leaving a war hero stranded on the stage.
She said: "We saw him walking out of the medal of honour ceremony - and they said it was because he didn't want to spread Covid after his wife tested positive, after he'd already breathed all over our great heroes.
"But we all know he was supposed to stand on stage - he just forgot.
"They're trying to cover for him and they're going to keep limiting his public appearances".
The US President will not participate in any of the ceremonies taking place at 9/11 memorial sites in New York City, Virginia or Pennsylvania.
Instead, he will head to Alaska on Monday to observe the anniversary at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson following a trip to Asia.
Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the annual observance at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan on Biden's behalf.
Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the annual observance at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan on Biden's behalf
PA
Meanwhile, first lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon.
The White House has not yet announced which official will participate in the Pentagon ceremony.