President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 17.
The news comes after Biden said he would consider dropping out of the race if he was diagnosed with “some medical condition”.
In an interview with BET News’ Ed Gordon that aired Wednesday, Biden was asked whether there was anything that would make him reconsider running.
“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody — if doctors came to me and said you got this problem, that problem,” Biden said.
Hours later, Biden tested positive for Covid-19 after attending an event in Las Vegas, the White House confirmed.
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre continued: “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
Biden’s doctor said he experienced upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and nonproductive cough.
19 Democrats in Congress have publicly called for President Biden to step aside. They join a growing list of politicians, billionaire donors and celebrities.
There is speculation that Biden will use his third Covid-19 diagnosis to drop out of the race.
