President Joe Biden surprised his tens of millions of social media followers on Wednesday when he tweeted two words: “I’m sick.”

The White House had reported just hours earlier that the president had been diagnosed with COVID-19, but the abruptness of Biden’s tweet from his campaign account surprised many. It became clear just three minutes later that he was using his medical diagnosis as an attempted light-hearted gateway to raise money for his shaky reelection bid.

“Of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election,” Biden wrote in his second post, adding a link to his campaign donation site. “And if you agree, pitch in here.” 

Biden referenced the owner of X who issued a rousing endorsement of former President Donald Trump on Saturday. Other billionaires have also announced their intentions of getting Trump reelected.

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Historically, the billionaire has supported the Democratic Party, backing Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Biden’s bid for election in 2020. However, the Big Tech mogul has slipped into the arms of the Republican Party, reportedly donating millions to a pro-Trump super PAC earlier this week. 

Biden’s fundraising ploy came as Republicans celebrated on the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, seeking to emphasize their unity.