Trump Campaign Questions Biden's Performance Enhancements Ahead of Debate

Amid concerns about Biden's mental acuity, the Trump campaign demands a drug test before the CNN Presidential Debate, while the Biden campaign evades a direct answer.

President Biden's campaign has repeatedly dodged questions about whether he plans to take performance-enhancing drugs before the upcoming CNN Presidential Debate. The Trump campaign has been vocal in demanding a drug test, suggesting that Biden may be seeking to quell concerns about his mental fitness.

In response to a direct inquiry, Biden's campaign spokesperson, Lauren Hitt, did not provide a clear answer, instead accusing Trump of spreading "false lies" and attacking Biden's policies. When pressed for a "yes" or "no" response, Hitt reiterated her original statement. The White House has remained silent on the issue.

Trump Campaign Questions Biden's Performance Enhancements Ahead of Debate

In contrast, the Trump campaign has unequivocally stated that its candidate has no plans to use performance-enhancing drugs. National press secretary Karolina Leavitt emphasized Trump's "elite stamina" and dismissed Biden's reluctance as a sign of weakness and possible substance use.

Former Republican congressman Ronny Jackson, who served as White House physician under Trump, has also called for Biden to take a pre-debate drug test, citing concerns raised by dozens of lawmakers and administration officials about Biden's cognitive decline.

Trump Campaign Questions Biden's Performance Enhancements Ahead of Debate

Despite these allegations, there is no clear evidence that Biden has used any performance-enhancing drugs during his presidency. However, Trump has repeatedly challenged Biden to take a drug test, offering to do the same.

The White House has dismissed the concerns about Biden's mental acuity as partisan politics, painting the president as "savvy and effective." However, the findings of Special Counsel Robert Hur's report, which concluded that Biden was "a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," have raised questions about his fitness for office.

Trump Campaign Questions Biden's Performance Enhancements Ahead of Debate

Critics have pointed to a string of recent gaffes and missed cues from Biden as evidence of his cognitive decline. These include instances where Biden appeared motionless at public events, was led offstage by former President Obama, and was directed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to rejoin a group of leaders.

In addition, Biden has delivered only three campaign rally speeches longer than 30 minutes in 2024, a departure from his "Basement Joe" strategy during the 2020 election.

Trump Campaign Questions Biden's Performance Enhancements Ahead of Debate

The upcoming debate will be a crucial moment for both candidates to address concerns about their physical and mental health. The Trump campaign's demand for a drug test has added an additional layer of scrutiny to the event, as the public closely monitors Biden's performance and the potential implications for his presidency.