According to his spokeswoman, US President Biden is not being treated for Parkinson's disease. The government responded to a report that had fueled rumors about it. The president's health is currently the subject of much debate.
In light of a report about visits by a Parkinson's specialist to the White House, the spokeswoman for US President Joe Biden has stressed that Biden is not being treated for the disease. “Has the President been treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he is not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's disease? No,” spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Later Monday, the White House released a letter from Biden's personal physician, Kevin O'Connor, in which the doctor wrote that Biden had not seen a neurologist other than his three annual checkups.
The New York Times had previously reported that neurologist Kevin Cannard, who specializes in Parkinson's disease, had visited the White House eight times since the summer of 2023. Spokeswoman Jean-Pierre demanded “respect” from the reporters.
Speculation about Biden's constitution
According to Biden's doctor O'Connor, the results of Cannard's neurological examination have been made public each time. At the end of February, the published health report stated that Biden had no signs of possible strokes or Parkinson's disease and that the president had “no tremors.” “President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual examination,” O'Connor wrote. Cannard has been a neurological advisor to the White House Medical Unit since 2012.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had previously commented on speculation about Biden's condition. Kirby told reporters that NATO allies, who are meeting for a summit in Washington this week, have no concerns about Biden's leadership qualities.
“The question presupposes the notion that they need to be assured of American leadership and President Biden's commitment,” Kirby said in response to a question on the matter. He does not believe “that is the case,” Kirby continued. “We have not seen any evidence of that among our allies.”
Concern after TV duel
Since his appearance in the televised debate with his rival Donald Trump at the end of June, 81-year-old Biden has been faced with an ever-growing debate within his own party about his mental suitability for the presidency. But he says he is “determined” to stay in the presidential race.
