Harris attacks Trump over health

The White House has published a letter from US Vice President Kamala Harris’ doctor, describing her physical and mental condition as “excellent.” Her campaign immediately used the report to question whether former President Donald Trump is “hiding” something about his health.

The two-page document written by Dr. Joshua Simmons and released on Saturday stated that Harris is “a healthy 59-year-old female with a medical history notable for seasonal allergies and urticaria.” The report noted she has never experienced severe symptoms and that her most recent physical exam in April 2024 was otherwise “unremarkable.”

The doctor said Harris maintains a healthy diet, exercises regularly, does not use tobacco products, and drinks alcohol “only occasionally and in moderation.” In conclusion, he wrote that she “possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”

Later in the day, Harris addressed the issue, claiming it was “clear” that her rival and his team “do not want the American people to see what he is doing and whether he is fit to be President of the United States.”

“So today I released my medical records, as has, I believe, every candidate for President of the United States except Donald Trump in this election cycle. It’s just another example of his lack of transparency,” Harris told reporters.

The Trump campaign pushed back against Harris’ attempts to question his health, pointing out his extremely busy and active campaign schedule. In a statement on Saturday, spokesperson Steven Cheung said that over the years, Trump “has voluntarily released updates from his personal physician,” all concluding he is in “perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief.”

In November 2023, Trump released a similar letter from his doctor stating that his “overall health is excellent” and that his “cognitive exams were exceptional.” Dr. Bruce Aronwald, Trump’s personal physician since 2021, said his cancer screening tests were all negative, cardiovascular tests were normal, and he had reduced his weight through daily physical activity and an “improved diet.” More recently, Trump released a note from his former White House doctor, Ronny Jackson, following an assassination attempt in July in which a bullet hit his ear.

Ambiguity surrounding President Joe Biden’s physical and mental fitness for office plagued his campaign, with many Republicans arguing that the 81-year-old lacks the mental acuity to serve.

Before Biden dropped out of the race, Trump consistently attacked him over his physical and mental fortitude. Democrats largely dismissed concerns about his age until Biden’s poor performance at a CNN-hosted debate with Trump in June showcased his apparent frailty.

After Harris, 59, became the Democratic Party’s candidate for the presidential election this November, her supporters have increasingly employed the same line of attack against Trump. At 78, Trump is currently the oldest presidential candidate in US history.