Joe Biden tumbles on stage during graduation ceremony in calamitous moment

Joe Biden takes a tumble

Joe Biden fell over on stage at a graduation ceremony

Ben Chapman

By Ben Chapman


Published: 01/06/2023

- 20:21

Updated: 01/06/2023

- 21:21

The US president was quickly helped back to his feet

Joe Biden has fallen on stage during a graduation ceremony.

The audience could be heard gasping as he fell over.


The US President was swiftly helped up before he walked back to his seat unassisted.

As Biden was helped up, he pointed behind him, seeming to indicate what he tripped over.

White House communications director Ben LaBolt said on Twitter that Biden was fine. "There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands," he explained.

The fall came after Biden delivered a commencement address to a flag-waving audience where he warned graduates they will enter service in an increasingly unstable world, citing challenges from Russia and China.

Biden is running for re-election in 2024. Doctors declared him healthy and fit for duty after a physical examination in February.

Political rival Donald Trump sent his well-wishes to the president upon hearing about the incident.

He told reporters: "He did? He just fell on what stage?" He is at the Air Force Academy. He actually fell down? Well, I hope he wasn't hurt. I hope he wasn't hurt."

White House communications director Ben LaBolt said on Twitter that Biden was fine. "There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands," he explained.

The fall came after a commencement address Biden delivered to a flag-waving audience where he warned graduates they will enter service in an increasingly unstable world, citing challenges from Russia and China.

Doctors declared Biden healthy and fit for duty after a physical examination in February, noting the President does not drink alcohol or use tobacco and exercises "at least" five times a week.

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