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Jimmy Williams
More than 230 doctors and healthcare professionals have signed a letter urging former President Donald Trump to release his medical records, citing concerns over his physical and mental health. The letter, organized by the group “Doctors for Harris,” which is unaffiliated with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, highlights growing fears about Trump’s “declining acuity” given his advancing age.
“Trump is falling concerningly short of any standard of fitness for office and displaying alarming characteristics of declining acuity,” the 238 signatories wrote in the letter, dated Oct. 13, and first obtained by CBS News. “In the limited opportunities we can examine his behavior, he’s providing a deeply concerning snapshot.”
The doctors argue that presidential candidates have traditionally disclosed their medical records, including Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2008, and believe Trump should follow that precedent. While Trump did release the results of his physical in June 2020, the doctors say further transparency is now needed.
The letter points out that without access to Trump’s full medical records, the public is left to “extrapolate from public appearances.” They argue that Trump’s behavior at rallies and events has raised red flags. “As we all age, we lose sharpness and revert to base instincts. We are seeing that from Trump,” the letter continues.
This call comes as Vice President Harris, 59, recently released her medical records, which showed she is in “excellent health.” Harris has been pressuring Trump to do the same, with her campaign viewing their age difference as a key argument. Trump, now 78, would be the oldest president in U.S. history if elected for a second term.
Harris reiterated her call in an interview with journalist Roland Martin on his Black Star Network, saying, “I put out my medical records. He won’t put out his medical records. And you have to ask, why is this staff doing that?”
Trump’s campaign responded by releasing letters from Dr. Ronny Jackson, who declared Trump in “perfect and excellent health.” However, the letters have not provided detailed information about his current health status.
Mark Lopatin, a retired Pennsylvania doctor and Harris supporter, said Trump’s public appearances raise concerns. “You’re talking about the most powerful job in the world. The question is, does the person who takes that job have the resources — healthwise, physically, mentally, emotionally — to deal with that?” Lopatin said.
While Trump previously stated he would “gladly” release his medical records, no additional information has been made available. Trump’s campaign has pointed to his past health declarations, but critics argue more transparency is needed as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
A recent CBS News poll in swing states showed that voters are more confident in Harris’ mental fitness than Trump’s. Between 64% and 68% of voters in key states believe Harris is fit to serve, compared to just 47% to 49% for Trump.
