Biden’s Dogs Under Investigation Over Biting Incidents

U.S. President Joe Biden's dog Commander walks on the south grounds of the White House in Washington on Aug. 9, 2022. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden’s dogs are under investigation after numerous reports of biting White House employees.

On March 25, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx sent a letter to Julie Su, acting secretary of the Labor Department, regarding the issue.

A probe into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforcement of workplace safety at the White House was launched after news reports of two dozen biting incidents involving President Biden’s dogs, according to the letter obtained by The Center Square.

“Recently, news reports say the number of known dog-bite incidents involving the President’s dog Commander and Secret Service employees has risen to 24,” reads Ms. Foxx’s letter.

“In light of this new information, the Committee stresses that it is still concerned about the occupational safety and health program for all employees working at the White House and the Executive Office of the President.”

The letter raises questions about federal reporting requirements for workplace injuries.

“As I stated in my prior letters, the White House should not embrace an attitude of ‘rules for thee, but not for me’ when it comes to workplace safety,” the letter continues.

“The EOP’s [Executive Office of the President] own Congressional Budget Submission for Fiscal Year 2024 estimates that the EOP is comprised of just over 2,000 full-time equivalent employees. It is surprising that DOL has no data to share from the EOP in response to the Committee’s questions, given the number of EOP staff.”

Biting Incidents

In some cases, several U.S. Secret Service (USSS) members received stitches, according to 269 pages of communications records obtained by Judicial Watch. The report discusses incidents involving Commander that occurred between October 2022 and July 2023. Some required medical treatment, while others did not.

Three biting incidents occurred over two days, according to a chain of emails dated Jan. 28, 2023.

It appears the first family’s German Shepherd was often off-leash despite previous biting incidents.

“Just for situational awareness,” reads an email on May 23, 2023. “It seems that we’re back to the K9 being let off [the] leash to roam the grounds freely. ... Though no one was bitten, it’s just a matter of time.”

Five days later, the dog was let off his leash and reportedly “charged” a USSS member and attempted to bite the agent’s leg.“ The dog missed his leg but bit the ”mag pouch on his belt,” damaging his equipment, according to the report.

Public tours in the East Wing were stopped for about “20 minutes due to blood from the incident being on the floors” after Commander bit someone in June 2023.

The documented incidents occurred in various locations, including inside and outside the White House residence, Camp David, and the Biden family homes.

Elizabeth Alexander, First Lady Jill Biden’s communications director, said the family attempted to correct the dog’s behavior.

“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. Despite additional dog training, leashing, working with veterinarians, and consulting with animal behaviorists, the White House environment simply proved too much for Commander,” Ms. Alexander said in a statement to CNN. “Since the fall, he has lived with other family members.”

The Bidens have had three German Shepherds during their time living in the White House. Champ, 13, died in June 2021. Major, who was adopted from the Delaware Humane Society in November 2018, was sent to live with friends in late 2021 after several biting incidents. And Commander, who was gifted to the first couple by President Biden’s brother in late 2021.

First Family Cat

The Biden family cat is also making headlines, but not for the same reason.

Ms. Biden has written a children’s book about Willow that will be published in June, Simon & Schuster announced on March 27.

“Willow the White House Cat” tells the story of how the short-haired tabby ended up at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Ms. Biden adopted the cat after it jumped on stage when she was speaking at a farm in Pennsylvania during the 2020 presidential campaign, according to White House aides. The cat is named after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

“As Willow bounds from room to room, exploring history in her new home, she learns quickly about all of the incredible people who make the ‘People’s House’ run,” Ms. Biden said in the publisher’s announcement.

“They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did Joe and me, the First Families who came before us, and all of the people who step foot into this home.

“Making many new friends along the way, Willow’s journey gives the world a ‘cat’s-eye’ view of all the ins and outs of America’s most famous address,” she said.

The 4-year-old feline is the only first family pet still living at the White House. Proceeds from the book’s sales will be donated to charities that support military dogs.

The first lady’s previous children’s titles are “Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops” and “Joey: The Story of Joe Biden.” She also published her memoir, “Where the Light Enter,” in 2019.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.