Just before President Joe Biden was set to attend campaign events in Las Vegas, it was announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. On Thursday, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor issued a brief letter to provide an update on the President’s condition.
According to O’Connor, Biden is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms, but is being treated with Paxlovid. The President does not have a fever and his vital signs are normal. Despite his ongoing infection, O’Connor assures that Biden will continue to carry out the duties of the American people.
However, some have raised concerns that Biden is not fully in charge of the White House. These concerns have intensified following the recent debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump, in which Biden’s performance raised questions about his capacity to lead.
The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, and other allies of the President have attempted to dispel these concerns by emphasizing that Biden has a team of experts to support him. Critics have, however, pointed to the lack of transparency surrounding Biden’s decision-making processes.
O’Connor’s promise to provide regular updates on the President’s health, with his permission, has also been met with skepticism. The White House has consistently claimed to be transparent, but has failed to provide clear answers on several key issues, including Biden’s recent medical appointments.
Further scrutiny has fallen on O’Connor himself, whose business connections to the Biden family have been questioned by Congress. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican, has asked O’Connor to testify before the Committee to address concerns that his medical assessments may have been influenced by his private dealings with the Biden family.
