JOE Biden sparked concern on Sunday after he was seen struggling to take a leisurely stroll on the beach.
The president, 81, was joined by First Lady Jill as he trudged his way through Rehoboth Beach, Delaware yesterday afternoon.
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At one point, Biden battled to find his footing, repeatedly hopping and stumbling in the deep, uneven sand.
The First Lady momentarily grabbed the president’s arm, but didn’t hold onto it for long – instead letting the 81-year-old take care of himself.
Reporters who recorded the worrying scene could be heard gasping as Biden stumbled on, seemingly anticipating a fall.
At one point, the president tried to up his pace – wobbling toward reporters who asked what he and Trump would talk about when the president-elect visits him at the White House on Wednesday.
He could be seen shouting something inaudible back – but failed to answer any questions as he made his way back to the car, according to a press pool report.
The Democrat, who appeared casual in a dark fleece, cap and jeans, had seemed fine earlier as he walked along the water with his wife.
He stopped, at one point, to check his phone as Jill walked ahead.
The pair returned to the White House hours later.
Americans were quick to show their concern, with one person writing, “Why would anyone let Joe Biden walk in deep beach sand?”
Another said, “Joe Biden showing how walking on a beach has its challenges.
Someone else wrote, “Everyone knows he is old and needs help, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just help the guy.”
It comes almost a week after Vice President Kamala Harris lost to future President Donald Trump.
The Republican is expected to visit Biden at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the handover.
It will be the first time the pair have met since Biden’s disastrous debate performance in June which quickly saw his campaign unravel.
While Wednesday’s meeting tends to be tradition between outgoing and incoming presidents, Trump did not host his successor following the 2020 election.
Biden was forced to drop out of the election race in July, after questions swirled about his cognitive abilities.
Speaking after the Democrats lost on Wednesday, Biden said he had spoken with Trump to congratulate him and “expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition”.
He also praised Vice President Kamala Harris during a brief address from the White House last week, promising an orderly transition of power in January.
“I will do my duty as president,” he said.
“I’ll fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On January 20, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America.”
When asked whether Trump was a threat to Democracy over the weekend, Biden told reporters: “I’m going to see him on Wednesday.”
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