Vice President Kamala Harris has released a comprehensive medical report, a strategic move to differentiate herself from former President Donald Trump as the election race heats up.
This marks the first occasion that Harris, 59, has shared a medical report, following the precedent set by past presidents. In a detailed two-page letter from Dr. Joshua Simmons—her physician at the White House Medical Unit since January 2021—it is affirmed that Harris is in excellent health, possessing the “physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”
Key highlights from the medical report include:
- Harris manages seasonal allergies with allergen immunotherapy and occasional use of Atrovent, without experiencing severe reactions.
- She is nearsighted and uses contacts but can read comfortably without them.
- Her most recent physical examination occurred in April 2024, and she remains current on preventive care measures, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms, while taking a Vitamin D3 supplement.
- She poses a low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Harris maintains a daily workout regimen, adheres to a healthy diet, does not smoke, and consumes alcohol only in moderation.
This medical disclosure comes as Harris and Trump appear to be in a statistical tie with less than a month remaining before Election Day, with both candidates aiming to capture undecided voters in swing states.
By making her medical information public, Harris’s campaign seeks to question Trump’s transparency, particularly since he has not released detailed health information. A senior campaign advisor indicated this strategy aims to highlight potential doubts about Trump’s capability at age 78.
The campaign will leverage public concerns regarding Trump’s speeches and debates as signs of potential decline in his faculties, scrutinizing his ability to lead effectively.
In November 2023, Trump released a brief statement from his physician, asserting that his health was “overall excellent” and that his “cognitive exams were exceptional.” However, controversies regarding the accuracy of such reports date back to Trump’s candidacy in 2015, when he claimed he would be “the healthiest individual ever elected” to the presidency—a statement that has faced scrutiny over time.
As the political landscape evolves, age and cognitive ability have become focal points of concern for both candidates, with past gaffes by President Biden attracting greater attention than Trump’s health, fostering intense debate over leadership capability within the Democratic Party.
