President Biden made a surprise announcement on Wednesday, revealing his unannounced visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a routine physical exam.
Biden, consistent with the tradition followed by every commander in chief since President Richard Nixon, undergoes yearly physical examinations.
Walter Reed, renowned as the hospital of choice for presidents’ routine medical care and examinations, is situated in Bethesda, Maryland.
Earlier this month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, deems a cognitive test unnecessary, stating, “The president proves every day how he operates and how he thinks.”
Responding to a query about the legitimacy of the president taking a cognitive test as part of the physical, Jean-Pierre echoed Dr. O’Connor’s sentiments from a year ago, highlighting Biden’s demonstrated cognitive ability in his daily responsibilities.
Biden’s last physical took place on Feb. 16 of the previous year, with his physician affirming his fitness to execute presidential duties.
The Wednesday physical likely marks the final health update on Biden before the November presidential elections.
Critics have called for increased transparency from the White House regarding Biden’s physical and mental health, especially following a report from Special Counsel Robert Hur citing significant memory issues.
While Hur’s report did not warrant criminal charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents, it noted challenges in convincing a jury to convict him due to memory lapses, referencing Biden’s confusion over dates, including the death of his son, Beau.
