President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, July 17, and swiftly used his diagnosis to make a pointed remark towards Donald Trump and Elon Musk. “I’m sick,” the president wrote on X (formerly Twitter), just as the news of his diagnosis spread.
In a follow-up post, Biden commented, “of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.” This post featured images of Trump and Musk alongside a link to a donation page for Biden’s campaign.
I’m sick
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 17, 2024
of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election.
And if you agree, pitch in here.https://t.co/V93cYUUFQu
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 17, 2024
This came after a dramatic week where Trump survived an assassination attempt, prompting Musk to publicly support him. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” posted on X by Musk.
Musk has often been critical of Biden on social media, particularly over immigration policies and the president’s age, while repeatedly endorsing Trump.
Biden’s Health and Immediate Actions
Following his positive COVID-19 test, President Biden hurriedly boarded Air Force One, returning to his residence in Delaware. As he exited the presidential limo and ascended the steps of the jet at Harry Reid International Airport, he reassured reporters, “I feel good,” notably without wearing a mask. Consequently, Biden cancelled a scheduled speech to a Latino advocacy group in Las Vegas.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden’s diagnosis, noting that he is vaccinated and boosted, experiencing only mild symptoms. “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and continue to perform all his duties fully during this period,” she said.
Calls to Exit Presidential Race
Amid growing demands for him to withdraw from the presidential race, Biden recently expressed that he would step down only under specific circumstances. “If I had some medical condition that emerged, if doctors came to me and said, ‘You got this problem, that problem’,” he explained to BET host Ed Gordon.
