Mild Symptoms Reported
President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the 81-year-old president, who is vaccinated and boosted, has tested positive twice before.
Earlier on Wednesday, Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. However, he canceled a campaign speech scheduled for later in the night due to his diagnosis.
Concerns over age and candidacy
The illness comes as Biden faces growing pressure to step aside due to his age. Reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have privately expressed concerns about Biden’s candidacy negatively impacting other races.
Isolation and treatment
Jean-Pierre stated that Biden plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to fulfill all his duties. His doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that Biden presented with upper respiratory symptoms and was given his first dose of Paxlovid. Despite feeling fine during his first event of the day, he later tested positive.
Biden took to X/Twitter to thank everyone for their well wishes, stating he would continue to work for the American people while in recovery. In another tweet, he humorously noted, “I’m sick… of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election,” linking to a donations portal.
Reporters accompanying Biden on the Las Vegas trip were quickly moved to the airport following the announcement. Video footage showed Biden moving slowly and 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.”
