Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris has released a letter from her physician affirming her good health and fitness for high office, drawing a contrast with her opponent, Donald Trump.
The letter, written by Dr. Joshua Simmons and shared by the White House, followed Harris’s recent physical examination in April, which was deemed “unremarkable.”
Dr. Simmons highlighted that Harris, 59, maintains an active lifestyle and a healthy diet despite her demanding schedule. He noted that she suffers from seasonal allergies and occasional hives but does not smoke and consumes alcohol only in moderation. The doctor confirmed that she has the physical and mental resilience necessary to fulfill the duties of the presidency, including those of Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander-in-Chief.
Harris’s move to publicize her medical records aims to underscore Trump’s reluctance to do the same, according to one of her aides. She criticized Trump’s lack of transparency, suggesting his team may be withholding information about his health from the American public. Harris voiced these concerns to reporters before heading to North Carolina.
In response, Trump’s campaign, represented by Communications Director Steven Cheung, asserted that Trump has voluntarily shared health updates from his personal doctor and reports from former White House physician Ronny Jackson, who declared Trump to be in excellent health and capable of serving as Commander-in-Chief.
Harris’s campaign intends to focus on Trump’s age, as he is the oldest candidate in the race at 78. Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal as the Democratic nominee after a poor debate performance against Trump, the competition has intensified.
Harris’s team hopes her relative youth and mental sharpness, in contrast to Trump’s age and perceived erratic behavior, along with her demonstrated transparency, will resonate with undecided voters.
A White House physician had previously stated in 2018 that Trump was in good health overall, although he was advised to lose weight and adopt a regular exercise routine.
Dr. Simmons also noted that Harris’s allergies are well-managed with a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Her sporadic hives respond well to antihistamines, and she has benefited from allergen immunotherapy over the past three years, reducing her reliance on medication.
Additionally, Harris wears contact lenses and has a family history of colon cancer, but she remains up to date on preventive health measures, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms.
