Biden says COVID pandemic is 'over' in the U.S.

Republicans criticized Biden for saying the pandemic is "over."

Published: September 19, 2022 3:21pm

Updated: September 19, 2022 4:04pm

President Joe Biden said the COVID-19 pandemic is "over" in the United States.

"The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with COVID. We're still doing a lotta work on it. It's– But the pandemic is over," Biden said during a pre-recorded CBS "60 Minutes" interview aired Sunday.

"As you notice, no one's wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape, and so I think it's changing," he said.

Republicans on Monday criticized Biden for his comments.

"In other words, there is no 'ongoing emergency' to justify his proposal for student loan handouts," Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said about Biden's interview. The administration cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans for some borrowers.

"So, when will he let those discharged from the military due to vax mandates return to protecting our country?" Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) tweeted. Military service members are required to receive the COVID vaccine and those who refused were discharged.