In a twist that sounds more like a plotline from a medical drama than real life, new details are emerging about Joe Biden’s reported recent health crisis in Las Vegas. The 81-year-old President, who recently announced he would not be seeking re-election, reportedly suffered a medical emergency that left political pundits and the public alike buzzing with speculation.
On Sunday, Biden made the surprising announcement that he would not run for re-election in 2024, citing the “best interest of my party and the country” as his rationale. This decision followed a series of troubling events that began during his trip to Las Vegas.
According to a source close to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Biden faced an “emergency situation” requiring immediate medical attention. The U.S. Secret Service initially prepared for a swift departure to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, but plans abruptly changed, and Biden was medivac’d back to the East Coast—rumored to be Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk shared his skepticism on social media, pointing out the lack of transparency surrounding Biden’s health and the sudden changes in his schedule. “I didn’t think too much about this lead, seemed too wild to be true, but given that Joe Biden has been out of public sight for days and dropped out of the race via an X post, and his brother James indicated health was a factor, I’m beginning to grow more curious if COVID or something else has been more serious than reported,” Kirk wrote.
Biden had tested positive for COVID just days before his emergency in Las Vegas, adding another layer of concern. On Monday, Biden was seen making a sluggish descent from Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base after testing positive. Since then, he has been noticeably absent from the public eye, fueling rumors about the severity of his health issues.
James Biden hinted that health concerns were indeed a significant factor in the decision not to seek re-election. “I’m incredibly proud of my brother. Selfishly, I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we have left,” he told CBS News, furthering speculation about Biden’s well-being.
Biden’s medical history includes surgeries and treatments for various conditions, including gallbladder surgery and non-melanoma skin cancers. His more recent health issues, such as a stiffened gait and speech stumbles, have been attributed to aging and orthopedic injuries by his physicians.
In his resignation letter, Biden expressed his gratitude to Kamala Harris and the American people. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term”.
As Biden reportedly prepares to address the nation later this week, the public remains on edge, eager to understand the full scope of his health issues and what they could mean for the future of American politics.