Former President Donald Trump has called on President Joe Biden to take a drug test before the upcoming presidential debate. Trump’s demand comes just days after he speculated that Biden might use performance-enhancing substances during the debate, scheduled for Thursday.
Biden has been preparing for the debate at Camp David, leading to speculation from some Republicans about his debate preparation. A Trump ally stated, “There is no universe in which [Biden’s] not being medicated before the debate. If he wants to dispel that, he should offer to take a drug test, but we all know he won’t do that.” Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added, “If Biden wants to prove otherwise, why didn’t he commit to a drug test?”
The Biden campaign has not responded to inquiries about whether the president would agree to a drug test. Trump has not suggested he would withdraw from the debate if Biden does not undergo a test but reiterated his belief that Biden might use medication to enhance his performance.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a former White House physician, sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take a drug test. Jackson stated, “It’s a terrible reality that I am having to send a letter demanding President Biden submit to a drug test prior to this week’s debate. Americans are being left in the dark by a dishonest administration regarding what types of performance-enhancing drugs Biden is using for high-stakes events like the State of the Union.”
Jackson emphasized the need for transparency, stating that voters deserve to know the health status of the president as Election Day approaches.
Biden, if re-elected, would be 86 at the end of his second term. His physical exams have not publicly included results of a mental acuity test, despite some polls indicating concerns about his mental fitness among Americans.
