In a bold call for transparency, more than 230 doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers have urged former President Donald Trump to release his full medical records, citing concerns over his physical and mental fitness for public office. The letter, organized by the independent group Doctors for Harris—which is not affiliated with Kamala Harris’ campaign—was released on October 13, 2024, and was first reported by CBS News.
The medical professionals, many of whom support Vice President Kamala Harris, argue that Trump’s advancing age and recent public behavior highlight the need for greater disclosure about his health. At 78 years old, Trump would become the oldest president in U.S. history if re-elected. The letter expressed concern that his physical and mental condition may be deteriorating, noting “alarming characteristics of declining acuity.”
“Trump is falling concerningly short of any standard of fitness for office,” the letter stated, pointing to his public appearances where he often “rambles,” “meanders,” and “lashes out at perceived grievances.” The signatories argue that without detailed medical records, voters are left only with the limited public snapshots of his health, which may not reflect his true condition.
Historically, presidential candidates have released medical information to provide voters with a complete understanding of a candidate’s health. Arizona Senator John McCain, during his 2008 presidential campaign, released his medical records in full transparency, setting a precedent for candidates. In his 2020 bid for re-election, Trump made his physical results public shortly before Election Day, but these did not include the detailed medical records now requested by healthcare professionals.
The letter comes amid growing pressure from Kamala Harris, who has been highlighting the contrast between her health and Trump’s. As she approaches her 60th birthday, Harris has made it a point to emphasize her physical and mental “resilience” to serve as President of the United States. Earlier this week, Harris released a letter from her personal physician affirming her excellent health and detailing her recent physical examination results, which were described as “unremarkable.”
During a recent interview, Harris reaffirmed her stance, questioning why Trump has refused to make his health records public. “I put out my medical records. He won’t put out his medical records,” Harris said, during an interview with journalist Roland Martin. “It raises serious questions about transparency and fitness for office.”
Trump’s campaign, however, has rejected the criticism and countered with letters from his personal physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, who has previously vouched for Trump’s “excellent” health, including after a near-assassination attempt during a rally in 2020. Trump’s campaign has not provided any specific details regarding his health beyond these brief letters.
In response to Harris’ call for transparency, Trump recently tweeted questioning the vice president’s mental acuity and suggested she undergo cognitive testing. “Her actions have led many to believe there could be something very wrong with her,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The vice president’s physician, however, confirmed that Harris “remains in excellent health.”
Mark Lopatin, a retired rheumatologist who signed the letter, echoed the concerns of many doctors, noting that the U.S. presidency is an unprecedentedly stressful job, one that requires both physical and mental fitness. “The question is, does the person who takes that job have the resources—healthwise, physically, mentally, emotionally—to deal with that?” Lopatin asked. He pointed to transparency and openness, which he believes are key to voters making an informed decision.
As both Harris and Trump head into the final stretch of the election, the debate over health transparency continues to simmer. Trump has previously claimed he would “gladly” release his full medical records but has yet to do so, despite repeated calls for disclosure. As Election Day approaches, healthcare professionals and voters alike are left questioning whether Trump’s health could impact his ability to serve as president.
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