The controversy over Biden and Parkinson’s disease, explained

The murmurs about President Joe Biden’s health — and particularly commentary about whether he’s exhibiting signs of Parkinson’s disease — have reached a fever pitch.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that a Parkinson’s specialist visited the White House eight times between July 2023 and March 2024, raising questions about whether the president was quietly being evaluated and treated for the condition.

That was followed by a contentious White House press briefing in which press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was bombarded by questions about the president and Parkinson’s. “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No,” Jean-Pierre parried.

Later that evening, the White House released a letter from Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, which noted that the president “has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.” The letter also implied that the Parkinson’s specialist mentioned in the New York Times story, Kevin Cannard, had been to the White House over the years to see other staffers and military members in his capacity as neurologist to the White House medical unit, which he’s held since 2012.