Jul 13, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Jill Biden to travel to opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics

Oriana González

Picture of Jill and Joe Biden — Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

First lady Jill Biden will travel to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, the White House announced Tuesday.

Driving the news: The White House's announcement comes a week after Japan's Olympics minister said that the Games — which are scheduled to run until Aug. 8 — will be held without spectators after Japan declared a COVID-19 state of emergency in its capital.

The White House said it would provide additional details on the first lady's traveling plans later.
President Biden will not be attending the Games, but "will be rooting for the athletes," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last month.

Go deeper: How the Olympics' last-minute fan ban will transform the Tokyo Games

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Jill Biden to travel to opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics

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