Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre is asked about Biden’s health during a brutal briefing: ‘Who instructed White House officials to cover up for a declining president?’
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday denied any “cover-up” surrounding President Joe Biden’s declining health and mental capacity.
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 her press conference — the first since Biden’s historic decision to resign as the Democratic presidential nominee — Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked her, “It appears that people in the White House knew that President Biden was in decline and that this was hidden from the American people. Who then directed White House officials to cover up a declining president?”
“There was no cover-up,” she replied.
For weeks, Jean-Pierre and other aides denied that Biden was considering dropping out of the presidential race. For months, they denied reports that his health was deteriorating. But during the June 26 presidential debate, Biden repeatedly fumbled for words and balked at the camera, leading to questions from his own party about his ability to serve a second term in the White House. On Sunday, Biden announced he was stepping down as the party’s nominee.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre denied there was a “cover-up” surrounding President Joe Biden’s health and mental health
She said the president made his decision in a “very short time.”
However, she would not provide 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 pushed back against reports that advisers, lawmakers and Democratic officials had noticed Biden’s decline for months.
She also said his health did not play a role in his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
“It has nothing to do with his health,” she said. “I can say, no, that’s not the reason.”
She advised everyone to watch Biden’s speech in the Oval Office.
“The president is going to speak directly to the American people tonight on prime time,” she said. “Listen to him tonight.”
She also called calls for the president to resign “ridiculous.”
Questions have been raised about why Biden, if he cannot serve four more years, is being allowed to 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’s not the reason,” she said.
She 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 through the political world.
He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his nominee and turned over his campaign infrastructure to her. The campaign renamed itself “Harris for President.”
Within 30 hours, Harris had pledged enough delegates to win the presidential nomination.
Delegates will nominate their tickets virtually between August 1 and 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which kicks off on August 19 in Chicago.
The president returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending six days in isolation at his Rehoboth Beach home, where he was suffering from COVID.
He has canceled a West Coast fundraiser scheduled for later this week.
On Thursday, he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.