House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday claimed Vice President Kamala Harris’ move to share her medical information with the public is a “diversion” tactic, adding that it’s “unnecessary” for former President Donald Trump to release more details about his own health.
The White House on Saturday shared a memo authored by Harris’ physician, Joshua Simmons, detailing her current health status and medical history.
“Harris remains in excellent health,” Simmons wrote. “She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”
Harris’ disclosure, which marks the first time she has released medical information in this race, appears to be part of an effort to pressure Trump to do the same.
While Trump previously told CBS News he would “very gladly” release his medical records, he has yet to do so.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Johnson, a closely ally of the former president, said Trump has released enough information about his health.
“He issued the records of his physicians,” Johnson said. “Kamala Harris issued her medical records as a diversion because she’s desperate, because she’s sinking in the polls. Donald Trump’s health is on display. Everyone in America can see it. The man works nonstop. He never quits. He probably sleeps four hours a night. He doesn’t require as much sleep as the average person.”
“He’s an unusual figure. And this is the strength that we need in a time like this,” he added.
While there is no requirement for presidential candidates to share their medical history, it has been customary for them do so.
Following the release of the document on Harris’ health, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung pointed reporters to two memos authored by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a Trump supporter who also served as his physician during his time at the White House, that stated the former president was “doing well” following his first assassination attempt in July. Cheung also recirculated a letter from Trump’s personal physician, Bruce Aronwald, dated November 2023, noting that his “overall health is excellent” and that his cognitive exams were “exceptional.”
Johnson told NBC “it’s unnecessary” for Trump, 78, to be more transparent on the issue despite the fact that if elected in November he would be the oldest person to serve in the role.
“The American people don’t care about the cholesterol level of Donald Trump,” he said. “The medical records are irrelevant.”
Meanwhile, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who was part of Trump’s inner circle during his presidency, told The New York Times the GOP nominee is displaying “significant” signs of a decline in his cognitive skills.
“What masks it is that he is still physically pretty vibrant and energetic, unlike [President Joe Biden],” Christie said. “But if you listen to him and his ability to make a point, it’s not nearly as good now as it was in 2016, not nearly.”
Biden withdrew his bid for reelection after his poor performance in the debate against Trump in June fueled concerns about his fitness to serve another term in office.