Does President Joe Biden know how often he is being tested for COVID-19? It is a legitimate question after this from Biden:
“I am okay. I have a test every day… a Covid test. They check me for all the strains. What I have is a 1 1/2-year-old grandson who had a cold who likes to kiss his pop… but it’s just a cold.”
But it turns out, Biden is not being tested every day.
In a letter published by the White House from Dr. O’Connor, Biden has been tested three times this week for the virus — not every day.
“(Biden) received those tests because he had a cold, which would be considered a symptom,” said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
Psaki was asked twice if Biden “misspoke” when he said he is tested daily.
“Well, I think, Weijia — I would point you to the transparent note we put out from the doctor to all of you that outlines how many times he was tested and exactly what he was tested for,” Psaki said.
So, she didn’t really answer the question on how Biden could have thought he was being tested daily. And the press let her shift subjects.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy revisited the subject when his turn came up during the Q&A.
“The President was hoarse and coughing today. A lot of people in the workforce are encouraged not to go to work if they are exhibiting those symptoms, even if they are fully vaccinated,” Doocy said. “So, are the rules different for the President?”
Psaki said Biden was tested and the test was negative.
“People also had — he had a cold, which is what you know from the information put out by the doctor,” Psaki said.
Doocy quickly reminded Psaki it is possible to test negative several times before a positive test is revealed.
“Is there any concern about having him at work while he’s got these symptoms, even if he is showing negative tests,” Doocy asked.
“I can assure you that the President follows every protocol,” Psaki said. “He wants to keep everyone safe in the White House. And that’s why, obviously, he — we consult with the doctor and we put out that information to make it available to all of you.”
Psaki also later said during a typical week, Biden is tested less than three times a week. He was tested three times this week due to the symptoms he was displaying.
Less than one week ago Biden was photographed in a store without his mask on his face, despite a sign on the door at the store saying masks are required.
