Medical evaluations and disclosures related to Donald Trump during presidential campaigns

Throughout his political career, Trump has demonstrated a pattern of withholding detailed medical information. In 2015, he provided a brief letter from his personal doctor, claiming he would be “the healthiest person ever elected to the presidency,” but did not release actual medical records. This trend continued during his 2020 campaign, where he was hospitalized for COVID-19, yet his team downplayed the severity of his condition. Most recently, after surviving an assassination attempt in 2024, Trump has again refrained from disclosing his medical status, despite being the oldest candidate in the race. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris released her medical records in October 2024, describing her as being in “excellent health,” which highlights the differing approaches to health transparency among candidates.

Historical Context of Trump’s Medical Disclosures

• 2015 Campaign: Trump declined to release his medical records, providing only a letter from his doctor that praised his health.
• 2020 Campaign: During his hospitalization for COVID-19, the Trump administration provided minimal information, later revealing that his condition was more serious than initially stated.
• 2024 Campaign: Following an assassination attempt, Trump has again refused to release his medical records, despite public interest in his health as he approaches the age of 79.

Comparison with Other Candidates

The release of medical records has become a significant aspect of presidential campaigns, with candidates often using these disclosures to assure voters of their fitness for office. In contrast to Trump’s history of limited transparency, Vice President Harris has made her health records public, which emphasizes a notable difference in how each candidate handles health-related inquiries.

Implications for Voter Perception

The lack of comprehensive medical disclosures from Trump raises concerns among voters regarding his cognitive and physical fitness for office, especially given the context of his age and past health incidents. As discussions about the health of presidential candidates become more prominent, the contrasting approaches to transparency may influence public perception and voter confidence in their respective capabilities to serve as president.