President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to a statement from the White House on Wednesday. The 81-year-old president, who has been fully vaccinated and boosted, was seen earlier in the day visiting supporters in Las Vegas before the diagnosis forced him to cancel a planned campaign speech.
I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes.
I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 17, 2024
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "The president plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while carrying out all of his duties fully." This marks Biden's third bout with the virus since taking office.
The president's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that Biden presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and cough. "He has been given his first dose of Paxlovid," Dr. O'Connor added, noting that the president felt fine during his first event of the day but later tested positive.
Biden took to social media platform X to address the public: "Thank you for the well wishes. I'll work to get the job done for the American people while in recovery."
The unexpected illness comes at a challenging time for the president, who faces mounting pressure regarding his age and electability. US media reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top two Democrats in Congress, separately met with Biden to express concerns about his candidacy's potential impact on other House and Senate races. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi has also warned Biden about low chances of winning the 2024 election according to polling data, as well as Representative Adam Schiff of California urging him to withdraw from the race.
Earlier on Wednesday, Biden had visited a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas as part of his efforts to revive appeal among Hispanic voters. Reporters described a lively scene with Mexican art, guitars, and "Biden-Harris" posters adorning the walls. The president interacted with diners, shaking hands and posing for selfies, though some observers noted he appeared "somewhat stiffer and slower" compared to his energized speech the previous day.
As news of his positive test broke, reporters were swiftly ushered from the campaign stop to the airport. Biden was seen boarding Air Force One without a mask, moving "slowly and cautiously" up the steps. When asked about his condition, he responded, "Good, I feel good."
This unexpected turn of events has disrupted Biden's plans to reinvigorate his campaign following a pause caused by an attempted assassination of his rival, former President Donald Trump. The diagnosis also compounds challenges faced by the Biden campaign, including growing dissent among Democrats in Congress following what some viewed as a disappointing debate performance against Trump last month.
As Air Force One made its way through Nevada airspace, the president's team was left to navigate this latest setback, adding another layer of complexity to an already turbulent re-election bid.
