Kamala Harris will today make history as "acting president" as incumbent President Joe Biden briefly transfers power to the vice president so that he can undergo a "routine colonoscopy".
As reported by the Seattle Times, the White House has confirmed that Biden, 78, will have the procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, November 19, during which time Vice President Kamala Harris will act as president.
The outlet reports that Biden drove this morning to the medical center, which is situated in the Washinton suburbs, for his first routine physical exam since he took office on January 20, 2021. He will be under general anesthesia during the procedure.
Press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement:
"This morning, the President will travel to Walter Reed Medical Center for a routine physical. While he is there, the President will undergo a routine colonoscopy.
"As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anesthesia.
"The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time."
Per ABC News, Psaki went on to explain that later today, the White House will release a summary of the president's physical to the public.
Back in December 2019, Biden's campaign released a physical and medical report, declaring that he was a "healthy, vigorous, 77-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency."
Since the time of his campaign, the ability of Biden, who is the oldest sitting president in US history, to run the country was called into question by critics.
His predecessor, Donald Trump, also faced scrutiny for his age. He was 70 when he was sworn in as president on on January 20, 2017.
In the short time that Harris will be serving as acting president, she will make history as the first woman, person of color, and person of Black and South Asian descent to do so.
Once Biden is able to continue with his presidential duties after his procedure, Harris is expected to travel to Ohio.
Per The Independent, Psaki said that the White House will release an update on President Biden's health later on Friday.