Kamala Harris Creates History, Becomes 1st Woman To Get Presidential Power In US, Briefly
On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the first woman to hold presidential power in the United States, after it was temporarily transferred to her as President Joe Biden was under anesthesia for an extended medical checkup.
The White House press office said that official letters to Congress declaring the temporary transfer of power were sent at 10:10 am (1510 GMT). "The president resumed his duties at 11:35 am," (1635 GMT), the White House said in a statement.
"Today that was another chapter in that history for many women, young girls across the country," Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, noting Harris' trailblazing role.
Joe Biden undergoing medical check-up
The oldest person to hold the presidency in US history, Biden's check-up took place on the eve of his 79th birthday.
Although the administration stressed that there was nothing unusual in the hospital visit, Biden's departure by motorcade from the White House early Friday was announced at the last minute, causing surprise.
Because Biden was being anesthetized during the colonoscopy, he had to hand over power under the constitution, putting Harris, 57, temporarily in charge of the US armed forces and nuclear weapons arsenal.
Harris made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party nomination in 2020, before being picked as Biden's running mate. While holding the temporary presidential reins she continued to "work from her office in the West Wing," Psaki said.
Psaki noted that a similar temporary transfer of power, "following the process set out in the Constitution," had been carried out when president George W. Bush underwent the same procedure in 2002 and 2007.
Any details on Biden's health are sure to be closely watched, given speculation on whether he will stand by his stated intention to seek a second term in 2024.
Given his age and speculations on his health, it is widely assumed that Biden is unlikely to run for a second term and may even hand over the Presidency mid-way to Harris in the first term itself.
Born to an Indian-origin mother and a Jamaican-origin father, Harris has broken several glass ceilings on her way to becoming the first women Vice President of the United States.
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