Biden Out 14-16 Months Following Tommy John Surgery

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden, who had been gearing up for a strong second half of his four-year term going into a likely reelection bid in 2024, will now be out of action for the next 14-16 months following the reconstruction of his ulnar collateral ligament, commonly referred to as Tommy John surgery. 

During the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, Biden mentioned to an aide that he started to notice some tightness in his forearm. 

“I didn’t think anything of it,” Biden said from the oval office sporting a sling. “But the pain just wouldn’t go away.” 

After consultations with several orthopedic surgeons, it was determined that surgery was needed.

Biden’s administration has already been beset by injuries this year, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s broken collarbone, and an ACL tear suffered by new Chief of Staff Jeff Zients ten days ago. 

“This was a White House that was already short of quality arms,” said political expert Dicky Bloads. “It really calls into question their ability to close out the term without picking somebody else up.” 

As the administration scrambles to fill the gaps left by these injuries, many are left wondering how the White House will cope with the challenges ahead. Some speculate that Vice President Kamala Harris will have to step up and take on additional responsibilities during the President's absence.

In the meantime, the White House has begun exploring options for potential replacements to bolster their ranks. Rumors are swirling about the possible return of former officials or even the recruitment of fresh talent.

Officials insist that it’s largely business as usual, however. 

“This is a routine surgery, and the President has the best doctors in the world at his disposal,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the briefing following Biden’s surgery. “The path to recovery for this injury is clear, and we expect he will be back stronger than ever at the end of it.”