On October 12, 2024, the White House released a medical report stating that Vice President Kamala Harris, at 59 years old, possesses the "physical and mental resilience necessary" to serve as President of the United States. This announcement aims to pressure her Republican rival, Donald Trump, to disclose similar health information.
Dr. Joshua Simmons, Harris's physician, reported that her most recent medical examinations, conducted in April, showed nothing "out of the ordinary," confirming her "excellent health." Harris has undergone a three-year immunotherapy treatment for seasonal allergies.
The report is part of a broader discussion regarding the health capabilities of both Harris and Trump, who is 78 and has yet to release any recent medical records. Trump has a history of withholding health information, having done so during his 2016 campaign and continuing this trend in the current election cycle.
Concerns regarding age and mental acuity have been significant in this election, especially following President Joe Biden's handover of debate responsibilities to Harris. Despite the age difference, polling indicates that voters do not consider Trump's age a major issue, although a recent Gallup poll shows 41% of voters believe he is too old to serve again.