President Joe Biden is set to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday, following his recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election. The White House has not specified the exact time of the address, but it is expected to provide insights into his reasons for exiting the race and outline his focus for the remaining six months of his current term.
Biden is scheduled to return to the public eye on Tuesday, after a six-day absence due to reportedly testing positive for COVID-19. He will travel from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to the nation’s capital. According to his schedule, he will depart from Delaware at 12:30 p.m., fly from Dover Air Force Base to Joint Base Andrews, and return to the White House around 2:30 p.m. His only scheduled activity is his daily briefing at 3 p.m., with no other public events planned.
This appearance marks his first public outing since his brief phone call to Vice President Kamala Harrisâs campaign headquarters on Monday, in which he confirmed his withdrawal from the 2024 race. Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee.
In a letter posted on social media platform X, Biden stated, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” He promised to provide more details about his decision in his upcoming national address.
Biden began self-isolating last week after his positive COVID-19 test. His physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, reported on Friday that Biden had completed his sixth dose of PAXLOVID and was experiencing mild symptoms, including a loose cough and hoarseness. O’Connor however assured that Biden’s vital signs were normal and that he was tolerating treatment well, continuing to perform all his presidential duties.
Biden’s decision to withdraw comes as he prepares to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. Netanyahu, who arrived in the U.S. shortly after Biden’s announcement, emphasized Israelâs continued support for the U.S. regardless of its political leadership. Netanyahu is also scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday.
The timing of Biden’s address and Netanyahuâs visit underscores a period of significant political activity and international relations for the Biden administration as it navigates the presidentâs unexpected withdrawal from the upcoming election and public questioning of his fitness to fulfill his duty as POTUS.
