Commander, the Biden family’s German Shepherd, has been making headlines lately for allegedly biting numerous people. While initial reports indicated that he had bitten 12 individuals, new information suggests that the number could be even higher. Despite the lack of an official count, unnamed White House employees have come forward to CNN, expressing their fear of the canine. This situation has led to a strained relationship between the Bidens and the Secret Service, exacerbated by last-minute changes to their schedule and unrealistic requests. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not appear overly concerned during a recent press briefing.
During the press briefing, Jean-Pierre was questioned about her experiences with Commander, to which she stated emphatically that she had never experienced any troubling encounters with the dog. She assured reporters that Commander had never nipped or bitten her, and she never felt wary around him. Jean-Pierre even laughed at the notion that the issue had anything to do with her, emphasizing that she was simply not nervous around the animal. While acknowledging a statement from Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director at the First Lady’s Office, Jean-Pierre reiterated that she can only speak for herself and cannot comment on anything beyond her personal experience.
While Jean-Pierre’s nonchalant attitude elicited laughter from her, it is worth noting that she has both spent significant time around Commander and is also the White House press secretary. However, when pressed further about the possibility of a lawsuit, given the number of reported bites, Jean-Pierre deferred the question to either the First Lady’s office or the Secret Service. It is worth mentioning that Commander has reportedly bitten multiple Secret Service agents, adding to the already tense situation.
Overall, the situation surrounding Commander raises concerns about the safety of those working at the White House and protecting the President and First Lady. While the Bidens express gratitude for the patience and support of the Secret Service, it is clear that next steps need to be evaluated concerning Commander’s presence on the White House campus.