Biden cancels speech after testing positive for COVID-19

Published July 17, 2024 6:12pm ET



President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas, forcing him to cancel a previously scheduled address at the UnidosUS annual conference.

A statement from press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and the White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, confirmed that Biden presented moderate symptoms, including a runny nose, dry cough, and general malaise. Those symptoms did not develop until after Biden’s initial event of the day, per O’Connor. 

“Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” Jean-Pierre wrote in a statement.

She 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.”

The announcement was first made by UNIDOS CEO Janet Murguia roughly 90 minutes after the president was slated to speak at 4:30 p.m. Eastern.

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