Biden bungles Trump diss at Fourth of July event for military families as the fight for his political future clouds holiday festivities

President Joe Biden continued to struggle when he went off script on Thursday and took a dig at former President Donald Trump in his Fourth of July speech.

The president and first lady Jill Biden joined Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in speaking to military families on the South Lawn, the first of two presidential appearances at the White House in honor of the holiday.

The 81-year-old has come under heavy fire after he was involved in a car accident during a debate last Thursday. A handful of Democratic lawmakers have openly said they believe Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.

The White House has pointed to an upcoming interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos as evidence that Biden is capable of speaking spontaneously, but he distorted his statements when he slipped off the teleprompter on Thursday.

“By the way, you know, I was in that World War I cemetery in France and a — the one that one of our colleagues, a former president, didn’t want to go to and be there,” Biden said. “I probably shouldn’t even say that. Anyway,” he continued, his voice soft.

President Joe Biden is facing intense scrutiny after his car crash during a debate performance against former President Donald Trump last Thursday (photo)

At another point in the speech he said again, “By the way.”

“I’ve been all over the world,” he said, his voice dropping to a mumble. “I’ve definitely been in and out of combat. You guys are incredible,” he told the service members and their families gathered on the South Lawn.

The president greeted the crowd when told that his presence outside meant no more guests would be allowed inside the gates of the White House.

Biden promised to come back and talk to the people.

A supporter shouted, “Keep fighting. We need you.”

“You got me, man. I ain’t going nowhere.”

Biden continued: “I’ll be back if they leave the gate open, OK? Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

President Joe Biden (left) and first lady Jill Biden (right) arrive on the South Lawn for the first of two Fourth of July appearances

President Joe Biden walks to attendees at Thursday night’s Fourth of July picnic, which is set up specifically for military families

Then he delayed his departure by telling another story.

“When I was a senator, there was always congestion on the freeways. There is no congestion anymore,” Biden said.

He talked about the benefits of a presidential motorcade.

“And the way to get me to stop talking is to say we just closed all the roads, Mr. President,” Biden said.

“I’ll be right back,” he promised.

A dark cloud hung over Thursday’s festivities — and it wasn’t just the late afternoon downpour — as Biden’s political future hangs in the balance.

After Democratic governors expressed support — albeit tepid at first — for the president’s decision to stay in the race, attendees began leaking juicy details to the press.

President Joe Biden poses for photos after delivering a short speech to military personnel and their families on July 4

The New York Times reported that the president had told governors he would no longer hold events after 8 p.m. in an effort to get more sleep.

During the same meeting, Hawaii Governor Josh Green asked Biden about his health.

The President replied that his health was fine.

“It’s just my brain,” he said then.

Some governors saw the comment as a joke, while at least one governor found it odd, the newspaper reported.

Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign manager, later played the role of cleaner.

“He was clearly joking,” she said.