In a statement released by the White House just moments ago, President Joe Biden confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing an immediate postponement of his scheduled trip to Washington, D.C. for the 75th NATO Summit. The 81-year-old president, who was last seen coughing during yesterday’s campaign event in Pennsylvania, is reportedly experiencing “mild symptoms” including fatigue and nasal congestion. “I’ve been vaccinated, boosted, and I’ll be isolating while continuing to carry out my duties,” Biden said in a video address from the White House residence, flanked by his personal physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
This marks Biden’s second bout with the virus since July 2022, occurring at a politically sensitive moment as he prepares to host world leaders for the NATO anniversary celebrations. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed all NATO planning meetings will shift to secure video conferencing, with Vice President Harris standing by to assume any in-person responsibilities should Biden’s condition worsen. The timing raises fresh concerns about the president’s age and health just four months before the election, though Biden appeared determined in his message, quipping: “This isn’t my first rodeo with COVID – I’ll be back on the trail before you can say ‘malarkey.’”
