Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House has announced.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary, confirmed that the US president is vaccinated and boosted. This is the third time Mr. Biden has tested positive for Covid.
Earlier on Wednesday, the 81-year-old president was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. He has since canceled a campaign speech scheduled for later in the night.
The diagnosis comes amid growing calls for him to step aside due to his age, following a weak debate performance in late June.
Ms. Jean-Pierre stated that the president will isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to “carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”
The president’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that Mr. Biden showed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and has started his first dose of Paxlovid.
Dr. O’Connor added 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 “the well wishes” and assured that he would “work to get the job done for the American people” while recovering.
In another tweet, his account stated: “I’m sick,” followed by a reply, “… of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.”