WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Election Day fast approaching, Vice President Kamala Harris is raising questions about Donald Trump’s fitness for office, focusing on reports of his alleged exhaustion on the campaign trail. Harris’s remarks aim to cast doubt on Trump’s capacity to handle the demands of another presidential term, underscoring concerns about the 78-year-old candidate’s age and stamina.
On Friday, at a campaign stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Harris, who just turned 60, cited a Politico report suggesting that Trump had canceled several interviews due to fatigue. “I’m hearing that his team says he’s suffering from exhaustion,” Harris said. “If he’s struggling on the campaign trail, is he fit to handle the presidency? That’s a question we need to answer.”
Trump’s campaign quickly dismissed Harris’s claims as false. A spokesperson called the reports “unequivocally false,” adding that Trump is in “perfect health” to serve as president. Addressing the issue during his campaign stop in Michigan, Trump doubled down on his well-being, insisting he has gone “48 days without rest” and is “not even tired.” He also challenged Harris to take a cognitive test, claiming to have “aced” two such exams.
Trump’s medical transparency has been a recurring issue. Although he released a letter 2023 from his osteopathic doctor affirming “excellent overall health,” details about his vitals and medications remain undisclosed. In contrast, Harris recently released a comprehensive health report, with her doctor affirming her “physical and mental resilience.” The letter also noted that she has no history of major health issues and has been undergoing treatment for allergies.
Harris’s emphasis on transparency extends beyond campaign rhetoric. More than 230 doctors, nurses, and health professionals, many of whom support Harris, signed an open letter urging Trump to release his medical records, citing concerns over his “declining acuity.” The letter stresses that without detailed medical records, “we are left to extrapolate from public appearances,” adding pressure on Trump to provide more information.
The debate over health and fitness isn’t new in presidential politics but has gained more attention in the 2024 race as voters consider electing the oldest president in U.S. history. Harris’s strategy aims to contrast her relative youth and recent health report with Trump’s record, potentially swaying voters concerned about the candidates’ age and stamina.
Democratic strategists view Harris’s focus on health as a strategic move to draw a clear distinction between her and Trump. “The age factor plays differently when the vice president can show her strength,” said a Democratic aide. Harris’s supporters have already started to amplify the message through campaign ads, highlighting Trump’s alleged struggles and emphasizing the physical demands of the presidency.
The question of who is fit to lead the nation has become a central theme in the campaign’s closing days. As voters cast their ballots, the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s health could influence undecided voters, particularly those prioritizing transparency and capability in their leaders. With mail-in voting underway, Harris’s message may resonate with voters who want more clarity about candidates’ readiness to serve.
As the race tightens, both candidates are leaning into personal attacks and contrasting narratives to rally their bases. For Harris, the focus remains on questioning Trump’s stamina and capacity. For Trump, it’s about proving his endurance and dismissing age-related concerns. As the final stretch of campaigning unfolds, the battle for public perception intensifies, making health a pivotal issue in determining who will occupy the Oval Office.
