Vice President Kamala Harris has released a statement from her physician affirming that she is in “excellent health,” as part of her campaign’s efforts to challenge Donald Trump’s fitness for office. The detailed report, provided by her doctor, Joshua R. Simmons, emphasizes that Harris, 59, possesses both the physical and mental resilience necessary to serve as president.
According to the health update, Harris maintains a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. Her most recent physical exam in April was described as “unremarkable,” and she has been undergoing allergen immunotherapy for the past three years, which has improved her seasonal allergies. Currently, she only requires occasional medication for rhinitis.
By sharing her medical records, Harris follows a tradition observed by presidential candidates from both parties, including Trump during his previous campaigns. Trump, 78, has said he would release his medical records but has not done so since making that statement in August. Meanwhile, Democrats have started to echo concerns raised by Republicans about age and mental acuity, now focusing on Trump’s health as he seeks another term.
Trump, who would become the oldest president by the end of his potential second term, has faced scrutiny over his fitness, with critics like former Obama White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer calling him “incoherent.” While Trump’s last doctor’s note in 2023 declared him in “excellent health,” it lacked the detailed data Harris has provided in her statement.
This health-related focus is part of a broader political battle, with both candidates facing heightened attention regarding their ability to handle the responsibilities of the presidency.
