We’ve all experienced that moment—misjudging a step and nearly taking a tumble on the stairs. It happens to the best of us, and it’s the kind of incident you’re relieved no one saw. However, when you’re the president, the whole world might be watching.
President Joe Biden discovered this reality firsthand during his presidency. His occasional missteps, such as the memorable sandbag stumble at the 2023 Air Force Academy’s graduation, evolved into an extensive discussion about his wellbeing.
Such incidents impacted him significantly, influencing his decision not to run in the 2024 elections and to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. In an attempt to prevent more viral missteps, his team opted for shorter Air Force One stairs. Yet, those stairs continue to pose a challenge.
Caught in the Act
On the evening of June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump encountered the infamous Air Force One steps. TMZ captured the incident on camera, sharing it on Instagram:
Trump, dressed smartly in a dark suit, ascended the stairs, one hand holding the railing. Then, his foot slipped on a step, causing a slight forward lurch. Swiftly, he grabbed the railing with his other hand, steadied himself, and continued on his way.
The internet doesn’t let anything slide. The slow-motion replay quickly became a favorite for social media users, sparking a variety of responses, from amused to understanding.
The Internet’s Got Jokes
Social media erupted with amusement. Many couldn’t resist pointing out the irony, especially given Trump’s previous remarks about Biden’s falls. “Biden’s probably laughing now,” one person noted with humor.
Some deemed it Trump’s “Biden moment,” and others suggested it was karma making its rounds. “What goes around comes around 😂,” one comment read. It appeared like a bit of poetic justice.
However, not everyone joined the ribbing. Numerous individuals chimed in with a touch of reality, stating, “Come on, who hasn’t tripped on stairs?”
Others declared, “I’m a klutz and trip regularly. Big deal.” To them, it was merely a human moment, not something newsworthy.
Déjà Vu with Biden
This incident rekindled memories of Biden’s own Air Force One stumbles. In 2024, the then-82-year-old president was filmed tripping twice while boarding the aircraft.
With his trademark aviators and a wide grin, he saluted the armed forces on the tarmac before using the shorter stairs. His steps faltered momentarily, but he managed to regain his footing and reach the top. Nonetheless, those clips spread rapidly, fueling speculation about his age and vigor.
Why We Can’t Look Away
In this era of constant surveillance and online analysis, a simple misstep can blossom into a dramatic narrative. For both Biden and Trump, these stumbles go beyond physical slips—they become instant sources for memes, opinions, and political commentary.
One misplaced step on the Air Force One staircase can trigger an avalanche of tweets, whether they contain criticism, support, or just a shared chuckle.
At the end of the day, these events serve as reminders that presidents are human, too. Whether it’s Biden’s sandbag trip or Trump’s nimble recovery, they’re just people negotiating challenging steps like the rest of us.
Despite the added pressure of an audience, it’s somewhat comforting to realize that even the world’s most influential figures can find themselves outmatched by a flight of stairs. It adds perspective to when you last stumbled in front of colleagues, doesn’t it?
