Unfounded Rumor Says Biden Had Undisclosed Medical Emergency in Vegas Mid-July 2024

In the months leading up to the November 2024 U.S. presidential election, an online rumor claimed U.S. President Joe Biden suffered a serious, undisclosed medical emergency during his stay in Las Vegas between July 15 and 17.

The timeline for this rumor began on July 17, when White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced a COVID-19 diagnosis for Biden — the reason given for why the White House cut his trip short and canceled one of his planned speeches in Las Vegas.

Four days later, on July 21, Biden announced he would drop his reelection bid — a U.S. presidential decision not seen in decades. He also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party nomination for president. On the same day, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the physician to the president, wrote in a letter of Biden's COVID-19 recovery progress: "President Biden completed his eighth...