When I go looking for stuff, I find other stuff. Lots of other stuff.
Anyway, less than a month after Brandon was 'put up' as President (Feb 22, 2021), the press pool noticed that there wasn't a Marine stationed outside the door of the Oval Office, which had previously been a sign the president was there, working.
The press pool wondered if Brandon wasn't keeping the published schedule (maybe he wasn't there) or if a guard stationed at the door is no longer an indication the President is present.
Psaki 'clarified' that the Marine was away taking a Covid test (!!!) and that its a misnomer to think the Marine has to stay there the whole time - they go other places on other duties, too.
"The sentries may leave their post for a variety of reasons, including an event elsewhere on White House grounds or to support other world leaders or VIP guests."
https://www.axios.com/2021/02/23/missing-marine-white-house-west-wing
Personally, I don't believe that Marines abandon their post for a Covid test or to support other VIP's, largely because there are more Marines able to stand guard over the door to the Oval Office, and because I don't believe the Marines would leave their post at President Trump's door to go 'support' other world leaders or VIPs. Psaki's remark makes it sound like the Marines consider manning their post in terms of not really 'having to stay there.'
