The absence of a naval sentry outside the West Wing on Monday raised questions about whether President Biden was adhering to the schedule publicly set by his aides.
Why it matters: One sure way to know if the president is in the Oval Office is if the spit-shiny Marine is at the post and the door to the West Wing opens. A polar reporter who wondered if there had been a policy change got a simpler answer, circa 2021: The Marine was given a COVID test.
Get market news that is worth your time with Axios Markets. Sign up for free.
-
“The president was at work in the Oval Office this morning and received the PDB and all the things you know about the schedule. There has been no policy change,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during the daily. briefing.
The backstory: According to Biden’s schedule, he would be in the Oval to receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:45 a.m. The sentry was then absent.
-
Pooler Debra Saunders, White House correspondent for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, told her off-campus colleagues at 9:58 AM: “There is no Marine standing outside the front door.… Apparently the Marine is no longer an indicator. that POTUS is in the oval. “
-
Psaki and other assistants later clarified.
Briefly: The White House says it is a “misnomer.” A Marine must be present when the President is in the Oval.
Do you like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.