Joe Biden's physician has confirmed the president has tested negative for COVID-19 after questions arose about his health due to his raspy voice.
Kevin O'Connor, Biden's longtime doctor, said in a memo on Friday that the president is "experiencing some increased nasal congestion this week. This can be heard in his voice and he is feeling the colloquially well-known 'frog in ones throat.'"
"Investigation has included a comprehensive respiratory panel which includes 19 common respiratory pathogens, to include COVID-19, other coronaviruses, influenza, streptococcus, to name a few... All of these tests were negative. Including the above, he has been tested for COVID-19 three times this week," O'Connor said.
The physician noted Biden will receive over-the-counter medications to help alleviate symptoms.
Biden attributed his hoarse voice and occasional cough to a cold caught from his young grandson. The president addressed his health on Friday after being asked if he was okay by Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy.
"What I have is a one-and-a-half-year-old grandson who had a cold who likes to kiss his pop," he said while answering questions after delivering remarks on the November jobs report. "It is just a cold."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki fielded additional questions on Biden's health during Friday's briefing, including if there is any concern about Biden continuing to work while he has these symptoms.
"I can assure you that the President follows every protocol," Psaki said. "He wants to keep everyone safe in the White House."
Biden, the oldest person to serve as commander-in-chief, received a physical last month ahead of his 79th birthday. The president was briefly placed under anesthesia as he underwent a colonoscopy, temporarily transferring presidential powers to Vice President Kamala Harris.
O'Connor declared Biden "healthy" and "vigorous" following the exam.
The physician did note that Biden now has a "more pronounced" tendency to cough or clear his throat during speeches. Testing determined that was caused by acid reflux.
O'Connor also investigated Biden's gait, which has become stiffer due to age. The doctor said an "extremely detailed neurologic exam" ruled out that the condition was caused by Parkinson's, a stroke or multiple sclerosis.
The doctor ultimately determined that Biden is "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency."
But recent polling has found that the view of the American public is different. A Morning Consult/Politico survey last month found just 40 percent of voters agreed with the statement that Biden "is in good health" while 50 percent of respondents disagreed.
Update 12/03/21, 2:45 p.m. ET: This story was updated with more information and background.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alexandra Hutzler is currently a staff writer on Newsweek's politics team. Prior to joining Newsweek in summer 2018, she was ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
