Jordan Ellis
Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, underwent his annual check-up and a colonoscopy at the Walter Reed Medical Center in November 2021. During the procedure, Biden was put under anesthesia, and Vice President Kamala Harris became the first woman to hold US presidential powers for a brief period. After the check-up, Biden assured the public that he was in 'great shape' and that his health was good. Aside from his annual check-up, Biden has also visited hospitals for reasons such as spreading holiday cheer to patients and families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospital visit | Annual check-up and colonoscopy |
| Hospital | Walter Reed Medical Center |
| Date of visit | Friday, November 19, 2021 |
| Age at the time of visit | 79 |
| Vice President | Kamala Harris |
| Acting President during Biden's procedure | Kamala Harris |
| Biden's health status after the procedure | "Great shape" |
| Biden's comments on his health | "I feel great" |
| Biden's comments on his health status | "Nothing has changed" |
| Biden's plans for transparency | "The White House will release all the details" |
| Biden's joke about his health | "Looking forward to celebrating my 58th birthday" |
| Biden's health status in 2025 | Undergoing treatment for aggressive prostate cancer |
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What You'll Learn
- Joe Biden underwent a routine health check-up and colonoscopy
- Kamala Harris became the first female US President while Biden was under anaesthesia
- Biden claimed he was in 'great shape after his hospital visit
- Biden's health has been questioned throughout his presidency
- Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have visited Children's National Hospital to spread holiday cheer
Joe Biden underwent a routine health check-up and colonoscopy
US President Joe Biden underwent a routine health check-up and colonoscopy at the Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday. The 79-year-old President was put under anaesthesia for the procedure, and briefly transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris. This made Harris the first woman to hold US presidential powers.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: "Later this morning, the President will travel to Walter Reed Medical Center for his routine annual physical." Biden himself also assured reporters that he was in good health and that he felt great. He also joked that he was "looking forward to celebrating my 58th birthday", which made reporters laugh. Biden also added that the White House would release all the details of the procedure to ensure Americans were aware of their leader's state of health.
The Walter Reed Center is the traditional hospital for US presidents. Biden's health has been questioned throughout his presidency, and this hospital visit was his annual check-up.
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Kamala Harris became the first female US President while Biden was under anaesthesia
US President Joe Biden underwent a routine annual medical check-up at the Walter Reed Medical Center, which included a colonoscopy. As the procedure required the use of anaesthesia, Biden temporarily transferred presidential power to Vice President Kamala Harris, making her the first female to hold US presidential powers. Harris worked from her office in the West Wing during this brief period.
Biden, who was 79 years old at the time, insisted that he was in \"great shape\" following the procedure. He assured reporters that his health was "good" and that he felt "great". The White House also stated that they would release all the details of the procedure to keep the American people informed about the President's health.
Kamala Harris, during her brief tenure as the acting President, did not make any significant decisions or announcements. However, the event marked a historic moment as she became the first female to hold the powers of the US Presidency. This moment, although brief, highlighted the progress made towards gender equality in US politics and served as an inspiration to many women and girls across the country.
Harris, who had previously lost the presidential election to Donald Trump, had been a strong and influential Vice President to Joe Biden. During the Biden-Harris administration, the White House prioritized issues such as climate change, Medicaid, infrastructure, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. Harris brought her own perspective and experience to the role, having served as a senator and the attorney general of California before becoming Vice President.
In conclusion, while Joe Biden was under anaesthesia for a routine medical procedure, Kamala Harris broke a significant gender barrier by becoming the first female US President. This moment, though fleeting, symbolized the progress and potential for women in leadership roles within the United States government.
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Biden claimed he was in 'great shape after his hospital visit
US President Joe Biden underwent his annual check-up and a colonoscopy at the Walter Reed Medical Center in November 2021. During the procedure, Biden was put under anaesthesia, and Vice President Kamala Harris took control of the White House, becoming the first woman to hold US presidential powers.
After the procedure, Biden told reporters that he felt "great" and was in "great shape." He assured the public that his health was "good" and that he was fit to continue his work as President. Biden also stated that the White House would release all the details of the procedure to keep Americans informed about their leader's health.
Biden's comments aimed to dampen any speculation about his health that might arise from his hospital visit. However, he also made a joking jibe about looking forward to celebrating his 58th birthday, which sparked laughter from reporters, as he was, in fact, turning 79.
Despite Biden's claims of being in great health, there have been concerns about his well-being during and after his presidency. In 2025, it was reported that Biden was undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. During his presidency, Biden's health was also a topic of discussion and speculation.
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Biden's health has been questioned throughout his presidency
Joe Biden's health has been a topic of conversation and speculation throughout his presidency. During his 2020 campaign, questions were raised about his mental fitness for office. After winning the election, Biden became the oldest person to assume the presidency, at 78 years old.
In November 2021, Biden underwent his annual check-up, which included a colonoscopy. The procedure required him to be placed under anaesthesia, and as a result, Vice President Kamala Harris became the first woman to hold US presidential powers during this brief period. Following the check-up, Biden assured reporters that he felt "great" and was in "great shape", attempting to quell any concerns about his health.
However, Biden's health continued to be a subject of scrutiny. In 2023, Shari Redstone, the former head of Paramount, revealed that Biden appeared drowsy during an interview with Scott Pelley. This incident fuelled further discussions about the president's health and mental fitness.
After leaving office, Biden underwent treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His post-presidency life has been described as quieter and more secluded, with fewer staff members and a reduced public presence.
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Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have visited Children's National Hospital to spread holiday cheer
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday, December 20, 2024, to spread holiday cheer. This was the fourth consecutive year that President Biden joined the First Lady for the visit, making history as the first sitting president to accompany the First Lady on all holiday visits during their time in office.
The First Lady visits are an annual hospital tradition that dates back more than 75 years to Bess Truman, who first visited families who couldn't spend their holidays at home. The tradition was continued by the Bidens, who brought joy to patients, families, and staff at the hospital. The visit was particularly meaningful for those spending the holidays away from home.
First Lady Jill Biden read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clark Moore to a group of patients and families gathered in front of the Christmas tree. The story beautifully captured the wonder and magic of the holiday season and embodied the official White House holiday theme of the "Season of Peace and Light." The visit was streamed live by Seacrest Studios, allowing every inpatient room to join in the holiday cheer.
The Children's National Hospital, established in 1870, is one of the top children's hospitals in the nation, ranked in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is dedicated to transforming pediatric medicine and providing expert care to children. President Biden's visit to the hospital was not related to any health concerns, as he had previously undergone a routine annual physical examination in November 2021, during which he assured the public that he was in "great shape."
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Frequently asked questions
Joe Biden went to the Walter Reed Medical Center for his annual checkup, which included a colonoscopy.
Joe Biden was put under anaesthesia for the procedure, and briefly transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Joe Biden has claimed that he is in "'great shape'" and that his health is "good". He also said that he was looking forward to celebrating his 58th birthday.
