Finance
Washington: On Wednesday, a spokeswoman announced that Commander, the dog of US President Joe Biden, bit a number of staff members, leading to his removal from the White House. The Bidens have sent the two-year-old German Shepherd to an unknown location while they look at “next steps” for the presidential pooch.
CNN and Axios reported that Commander, who arrived at the White House as a cute pup in 2021, had been involved in more biting incidents than previously known. The announcement came after this revelation.
The Secret Service had acknowledged that Commander had nipped 11 of its agents, but CNN said the actual number was higher and that the dog had bitten other White House workers too.
“The President and First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day,” Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for Biden’s wife Jill, said in a statement.
“They remain grateful for the patience and support of the US Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions.
“The evaluation of next steps is currently underway, and Commander is not present on the White House campus.”
There were no further details of Commander’s location, or whether the move was permanent.
Photographers spotted Dog Commander on the Truman balcony of the president’s private quarters on September 30, which marked the last time he was seen at the White House.
The Bidens have previously blamed the “stressful” environment at the White House for the rambunctious behavior of their pets.
Joe Bidens sent Commander away from the White House for biting, and they dispatched the first German Shepherd, Major, to live with family friends in Delaware.
The Bidens’ beloved dog Champ died in 2021 at the age of 13.
The First Family introduced Commander amid great fanfare in December 2021, with Biden tweeting “Welcome to the White House” along with a photo of the puppy running with a tennis ball in his mouth.
