Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the US president, who is vaccinated and boosted, has tested positive for Covid twice before.
Earlier on Wednesday, the 81-year-old president was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. He later canceled a campaign speech scheduled for that night.
This illness comes amid growing pressure for him to step aside due to his age.
US media report that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top two Democrats in Congress, met with Biden privately to express concerns that his candidacy could negatively affect other House and Senate races.
Jean-Pierre stated that the president plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while fully carrying out his duties.
The president’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that Biden presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and cough, and has received his first dose of Paxlovid.
Biden felt fine during his first event of the day but later tested positive, O’Connor said.
Biden later thanked everyone for their “well wishes” on X/Twitter and pledged to “work to get the job done for the American people” while recovering.
In another tweet his account stated “I’m sick” before replying back “… of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here”.
The tweet pointed to a donations portal.
Earlier on Wednesday, reporters accompanying Biden in Las Vegas were hurriedly moved from a campaign stop at a Mexican restaurant to the city’s airport following the announcement.
The restaurant was vibrant, adorned with Mexican art, guitars, and banners. One wall displayed “Biden-Harris” posters.
Ceiling fans rotated slowly, and Latino pop music played softly as Biden entered through the kitchen door, flanked by Secret Service agents, into the main dining area.
He shook hands with diners, kissed one, and took selfies with others, all of whom seemed prepared for his arrival.
The president appeared somewhat stiffer and slower than the previous day, when he had delivered an energetic speech to a national civil rights group.
Biden had to cancel a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization.
He has been working to regain his appeal among Hispanic voters, with whom his support has waned since 2020.
Later on Wednesday, Biden was seen moving cautiously up the steps to the plane without wearing a mask. As he boarded Air Force One, he was heard saying, “Good, I feel good.”
This abrupt end to his trip, intended to reinvigorate his campaign after a pause due to the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump, marks a challenging moment.
Biden’s re-election effort has been further complicated by growing dissent among Democrats in Congress after his poor debate performance against Trump last month.
Now, his campaign faces even more turbulence as he deals with another unexpected setback.
This election campaign feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable.
Biden’s illness comes as he faces mounting calls to withdraw from the race.
Nearly two dozen Democratic politicians, including California Congressman Adam Schiff, have recently urged him to step aside, citing serious doubts about his ability to defeat Trump.
He called on Mr Biden to “pass the torch”.
Mr Schiff said Mr Biden “has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history”, and he could “secure his legacy of leadership” by allowing another Democrat to step forward.
Mr Schumer and Mr Jeffries – Congress’ top two Democrats – met Mr Biden privately in recent days and expressed concerns among fellow lawmakers that his presence at the top of the November election ticket could hurt their chances for controlling either chamber in Congress, according to reports from ABC News, the Washington Post and Politico.
“The president told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said after the reports.
A spokesman for Mr Jeffries said, “it was a private conversation that will remain private”. Mr Schumer’s office called the reporting “idle speculation” but added the Democratic leader “conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden”.
In an interview with BET, Mr Biden said he did not feel he could pass the mantle with the country so “divided”.
The president also said, for the first time, that he would consider dropping out of the race if any of his doctors said he had a “medical condition”.
Comments are closed.