A photo of President Joe Biden and his wife, first lady Jill Biden, decorating their Christmas tree in 2022 has resurfaced on social media, sparking questions from commentators.
The photo shows the Democratic politician on a stepladder about to place a decoration on the tree while Jill Biden crouches alongside a box full of decorations at the foot of the tree.
Democratic commentator Victor Shi posted the image on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: “They are truly one of us & I love it so much.” It was originally posted by the president on Christmas Eve 2022. At the time, he wrote: “Just a few finishing touches! Hope you and your loved ones are having a great Christmas Eve.” Newsweek contacted representatives for Biden by email on Monday to comment on this story.
In another tweet, Shi added: “I just really love a President and First Lady who do normal things. Can you imagine Donald Trump decorating a Christmas tree—no less getting on a step ladder?”
After the image resurfaced, people questioned why people were commenting on an old photo. “A year old picture and you know it also,” one user wrote, while another posted: “Recycled pic from last year.”
Others questioned whether it was safe for Biden to use a ladder. The president celebrated his 81st birthday last month and was 80 when the image was originally captured. As the oldest American president in history, Biden’s age has been a frequent point of attack from critics and a key talking point in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. There is no evidence that he is suffering from any serious health issues.
In February, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, physician to Biden, issued a summary of the current president’s health status. It came following a comprehensive review of his medical history and detailed physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
O’Connor said at the time that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the [duties] of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”
However, those on social media were not sure it was safe for Biden to go up a stepladder. “Who’s bright idea was it to put Joe on a ladder?” one user asked.
Another posted: “He can barely walk, and he shuffles his feet. There’s no way he’s climbing a ladder…….”
George Conway, a lawyer and anti-Trump Republican, wrote: “I love this but he’s not the candidate I want to see on a stepladder.”
In a rare show of support this year, former President Trump, the GOP’s 2024 frontrunner, defended Biden’s age. He said the ability to serve is “not an age thing” and that the same argument could be made against him, too. Trump turned 77 in June 2023.
Last week, Jill Biden unveiled this year’s White House Christmas decorations, featuring 98 Christmas trees, more than 142,000 lights and nearly 34,000 ornaments.
“For this year’s holidays at the White House, our theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the ‘Magic, Wonder, and Joy’ of the season,” Jill Biden wrote on X.
Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Meanwhile, last Thursday, the Bidens lit the National Christmas Tree on the south side of the White House, as per an annual tradition. It had previously fallen over because of strong winds.
Biden said the White House holiday theme of “wonder, magic and joy” captures the essence of Christmas.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.