Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary, stated that the US president is vaccinated and has received booster shots. This marks the third time Mr. Biden has tested positive for Covid.
At 81 years old, Mr. Biden was seen earlier on Wednesday engaging with supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. However, he later canceled a campaign speech scheduled for that evening.
This diagnosis comes amid growing calls for him to step aside due to concerns about his age.
Reports from US media indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, the top two Democrats in Congress, have privately expressed their concerns to Mr. Biden about his candidacy potentially affecting other House and Senate races.
Ms. Jean-Pierre mentioned that the president plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to fulfill all his duties.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s doctor, said Mr. Biden exhibited upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough. He has received his first dose of Paxlovid.
Dr. O’Connor noted that Mr. Biden felt fine during his first event of the day but later tested positive.
Mr. Biden took to X/Twitter to thank everyone for their well wishes, stating he would continue to “work to get the job done for the American people” while recovering.
In another tweet, his account posted, “I’m sick,” followed by a reply saying, “…of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here,” with a link to a donations portal.
Earlier on Wednesday, reporters on the Las Vegas trip reported being quickly moved from a campaign stop at a Mexican restaurant to the city’s airport after the announcement.
The restaurant was vibrant with Mexican art, guitars on the walls, and banners hanging from the ceiling. One wall featured “Biden-Harris” posters.
With ceiling fans spinning slowly and Latino pop music playing softly, Mr. Biden entered the main dining area through the kitchen, accompanied by a Secret Service detail. He greeted diners, kissed one, and took selfies with others.
The president appeared somewhat stiffer and slower compared to the previous day, when he delivered an energetic speech to a national civil rights group.
Mr. Biden had to cancel a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization.
The president has been working to regain support among Hispanic voters, whose support has waned since 2020.
Later on Wednesday, he was seen moving cautiously up the steps to the plane, not wearing a mask.
As he boarded Air Force One, he was heard saying, “Good, I feel good.”
This abrupt end to his trip, which was meant to reignite his campaign trail efforts, comes after the pause following the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump.
Mr. Biden’s re-election campaign was already facing challenges due to growing dissent among Democrats in Congress after his poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump last month.
Now, his campaign faces even more turbulence as Air Force One navigates the hot air above Nevada, and the president deals with yet another unexpected setback.
