Harris slams Trump's refusal to release medical records
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Former President Trump on Oct. 4 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Vice President Kamala Harris is spotlighting former President Trump's yet-unfulfilled promise to release his medical records — a historical outlier among presidential candidates.
Why it matters: If he wins, Trump would be the oldest president ever inaugurated. However, his campaign has disclosed far less about his health than the White House has about President Biden's, whose fitness and age Trump repeatedly attacked.
- In August, Trump told CBS News that he would "very gladly" release his medical records to the public.
Reality check: That still hasn't happened with about three weeks to go until Election Day.
- "He refuses to release his medical records," Harris said at a Sunday rally, per NBC News. "I've done it. Every other presidential candidate in the modern era has done it."
Context: Harris' two-page medical report, released on Saturday, said she was physically and mentally resilient and could "successfully execute the duties" of the presidency.
What they're saying: Asked for results of Trump's recent medical examinations, a campaign spokesperson on Monday referred Axios to a nearly year-old letter from his doctor.
- "His physical exams were well within the normal range and his cognitive exams were exceptional," Bruce Aronwald wrote last November.
- "In addition, his most recent extensive laboratory analysis remains well within normal limits and was even more favorable than prior testing in some of the most significant parameters, most likely secondary to weight reduction."
Between the lines: Trump's spokesperson also flagged July reports from Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), formerly Trump's physician, following Trump's recovery from a bullet wound to his ear.
- "I want to reassure the American people and the rest of the world that President Trump is doing extremely well," Jackson wrote.
Zoom out: Calls for President Biden to withdraw from the race this summer centered his age and mental agility.
- At 78, Trump is the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history.
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