White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday denied there was a “cover-up” of President Joe Biden’s declining health and mental health.
Biden’s top spokesman was repeatedly questioned about Biden’s apparent change of heart about a second term and denied that his health had anything to do with the decision.
During his press conference — his first since Biden’s historic decision to step down as the Democratic nominee — Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked him: “It seems like people in this White House knew that President Biden was in decline and that was hidden from the American people, so who ordered White House officials to cover up for a president in decline?”
“There has been no cover-up,” he replied.
For weeks, Jean-Pierre and other advisers denied that Biden was considering dropping out of the presidential race. For months, they denied reports that his health was declining. But at the June 26 presidential debate, Biden repeatedly slurred his words and froze on camera, prompting questions from within his own party about his ability to serve a second term in the White House. On Sunday, Biden announced he would step down as the party’s nominee.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied there was a “cover-up” over President Joe Biden’s health and mental abilities
He said the president made his decision in “a very short period of time.”
But she declined to offer further details, saying the president would outline the reasons behind his decision when he addresses the nation from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. ET.
Jean-Pierre rejected reports that Democratic aides, lawmakers and officials had noticed for months that Biden was in decline.
He also said his health was not a factor in his decision to drop out of the presidential race.
“It has nothing to do with his health,” he said. “I can say no, that’s not the reason.”
She recommended everyone watch Biden’s Oval Office speech.
“The president is going to speak directly to the American people tonight in prime time,” he said. “Listen to him tonight.”
He also described as “ridiculous” calls for the president to resign.
Questions have been raised about why, if Biden cannot serve four more years, he can serve six more months.
Jean-Pierre argued that Biden was capable of serving a full second term.
“He didn’t stop campaigning or running for office because he didn’t believe he could serve a second term. That wasn’t the reason,” he said.
He said his answer would be revealed in his speech.
President Joe Biden returns to Delaware after being diagnosed with COVID
Biden’s decision to resign sent shockwaves throughout the political world.
He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his candidate and gave her his campaign infrastructure. The campaign changed its name to “Harris for President.”
Within 30 hours, Harris secured enough delegate pledges to win the presidential nomination.
Delegates will nominate their nominations virtually between August 1 and 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which begins August 19 in Chicago.
The president returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending six days in isolation at his home in Rehoboth Beach, where he was suffering from COVID.
He has canceled a West Coast fundraising event scheduled for later this week.
He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.