NEW YORK (PIX11) – President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and is flying home to Delaware to self-isolate, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday evening.
The president is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution details presidential vacancy, disability, and inability.
“In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President,” according to the Constitution Center.
Section two states that if the vice president's office becomes vacant, the president must nominate a new vice president. The new Vice President will take office when the House and Congress are in a majority.
Section three states that if the President cannot fulfill their duties, they can inform the Speaker of the House in writing. In this case, the Vice President will take over the President's duties until the President declares in writing that they can resume their responsibilities.
Past Presidents have temporarily transferred power to their Vice Presidents. In 2002, President George W. Bush temporarily transferred power to Vice President Dick Cheney while he was undergoing a medical procedure and would be unable to carry out his duties as president.
After the positive COVID-19 test, Biden has been prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid. According to the President's physician, he has taken his first dose and is experiencing mild symptoms. There is no word that President Biden can not execute the job of President of the United States.
The 25th Amendment, in effect since 1967, ensures government continuity during distress. It was enacted in response to President John F. Kennedy's assassination. It outlines the Vice President's duties and establishes a process if the President is disabled or unable to fulfill their responsibilities.
This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
