A group of more than 230 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals are urging former President Donald Trump to release his medical records, citing concerns about his advancing age and declining mental acuity. The letter was organized by the group “Doctors for Harris” and notes that presidential candidates have traditionally disclosed their medical records to the public. Trump, who is 78 years old, released the results of his physical in the June before the 2020 election, but the signatories of the letter argue that more detailed health records are necessary to assess his fitness for office.
The letter from the healthcare professionals expresses concern about Trump’s behavior, stating that he is displaying alarming characteristics of declining acuity. They argue that Trump’s public appearances show signs of rambling, meandering, and lashing out at perceived grievances, which they interpret as a lack of sharpness and reliance on base instincts. The group points out that without detailed health records, the public is forced to make assumptions based on public appearances and rallies.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been pressuring Trump to release his medical records, highlighting the contrast in their ages as a salient argument. Harris, who turns 60, released a letter from her physician stating that she possesses the physical and mental resiliency to serve as President. She has criticized Trump for not providing the same level of transparency regarding his health, suggesting that he may be unfit or unstable for the role of President.
Trump’s campaign responded to Harris’ calls for transparency by releasing letters from his personal physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, that attest to his perfect health. However, these letters do not contain specific details about Trump’s health, leading to continued calls for more transparency. The healthcare professionals who signed the letter argue that the demands of the presidency require a candidate with the necessary health resources to deal with the stress and challenges of the job.
The debate over the candidates’ mental and cognitive health has become a significant topic in the 2024 election cycle. Polls have shown shifts in public opinion regarding their fitness for office, with more voters expressing confidence in Harris’s ability to serve as President compared to Trump. Trump has previously stated that he would release his medical records and cognitive test results, but his campaign has not provided further details on when or if this information will be made public. The healthcare professionals who signed the letter are calling for more transparency and clarity regarding Trump’s health in the lead-up to the election.
