Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., stated on Tuesday that both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump should publicly disclose their test results regarding physical and mental health.
“Both candidates owe whatever test you want to put them to, in terms of their mental acuity and their health — both of them,” Pelosi, who remains a prominent member of the House Democratic Caucus, said in an interview on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports.”
Pelosi expressed concerns about Biden’s recent debate performance, suggesting it raised questions about whether his struggles were an isolated incident or indicative of a broader condition. During the debate, Biden appeared to lose his train of thought and stumbled over his words multiple times, leading to renewed speculation about his candidacy.
Trump, aged 78, has also faced scrutiny over his mental fitness, particularly after confusing Pelosi with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley earlier this year. Reports from business executives who met with Trump in Washington, D.C., described him as “meandering” and unable to maintain a coherent thought.
Reflecting on Biden’s age (81) and his acknowledgment of declining debate skills, Pelosi noted conflicting views among Democrats about his candidacy. She highlighted sentiments of loyalty towards Biden while contrasting him with Trump, whom she described as lacking vision, knowledge, judgment, and integrity.
Despite concerns raised by some Democrats, Pelosi emphasized that Biden must decide independently whether to continue his campaign. She suggested that Biden should engage in unscripted interviews with serious journalists to demonstrate his capabilities directly to the American people.
The White House last released Biden’s health information in February 2023, indicating he remains in good physical health but without recent cognitive testing. Trump’s most recent health assessment, released in November 2023, affirmed his overall health without specific details on vitals or test results.
