Biden says ‘everything is great’ after annual physical finds him ‘fit for duty’
Joe Biden continues to be “fit for duty” and able to fully execute all his responsibilities, according to a summary of his annual physical performed by his doctor.
Kevin O’Connor, physician to the president, wrote after Biden was examined by him and a team of doctors that: “President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male, who remains fit to execute the duties of the presidency, to include those as chief executive, head of state and commander in chief.”
O’Connor added that “this year’s physical identified no new concerns”. He said the president continues to have a stiff gait as a result of osteoarthritis, which had not worsened. The doctor said that in the last year Biden has incorporated a ventilation mask, or positive airway pressure, into his “sleep routine” to treat sleep apnea.
The report, issued by the White House on Wednesday afternoon, did not specifically address the president’s cognitive or memory health. Meanwhile, O’Connor said that Biden had been given “an extremely detailed neurologic exam”, which was “again reassuring” with no findings of cerebellar or neurologic disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Biden exercises at least five days a week. He had a root canal last year, O’Connor wrote in his report. The president has “peripheral neuropathy” in both feet, gastroesophageal reflux, allergies and spinal arthritis that are treated with medication.
“The president feels well and this year’s physical identified no new concerns,” O’Connor wrote.
The president’s health has received increased scrutiny this year as he runs for re-election as the oldest president in US history.
Biden received the physical at a military hospital in suburban Maryland earlier on Wednesday and declared himself “squared away” after the appointment.
Dressed in a suit, Biden left the White House early on Wednesday for the exam and returned a few hours later. Back at the White House he talked to reporters.
“There is nothing different than last year. Everything is great,” he said.
Last year doctors also declared Biden healthy and “fit for duty” in a physical exam that included removing a lesion from his chest and declaring him free of symptoms of long Covid after his bout with the virus in 2022.
This year’s physical comes as Biden and Donald Trump, 77, prepare to face off in a likely rematch in the 5 November presidential election.
The two candidates have accused each other of mental decline. Trump’s last rival for the Republican nomination, 52-year-old Nikki Haley, has said both men are too old to occupy the White House and should be subjected to cognitive tests.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House spokesperson, told reporters the president had not taken a cognitive test and did not need one.
Biden likes to golf and ride his bike in his downtime. But his verbal and physical stumbles have raised concerns about his age.
Asked if there was anything Americans should be concerned about, Biden joked: “Well, they think I look too young.”