White House doctor: Harris in 'excellent health,' has allergies

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris is "in excellent health," her doctor, Joshua Simmons, said in a memo released Saturday morning.

The release, reflecting a physical taken in April, aims to contrast the Democratic presidential candidate with her opponent, former President Donald Trump, who would be the oldest person elected to the presidency and who has shared few details about his own health.

Harris spokesperson Ian Sams posted the report on X Saturday and wrote: "Your turn, @realDonaldTrump."

Harris has seasonal allergies and urticaria, which are chronic hives as a result of allergies. She typically manages her allergies with over-the-counter allergy medication and for the past three years has been on allergen immunotherapy, which has reduced the symptoms "dramatically."

She is also slightly nearsighted and wears contacts, the doctor said. She has a family history of colon cancer on her mother's side and has had no serious illnesses or surgeries as an adult.

Simmons wrote that she maintains "a healthy, active lifestyle despite her busy schedule," including daily aerobic exercise and strength training. She does not use tobacco products and drinks "only occasionally and in moderation."

"She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency," he concluded.

Age was a major issue in the campaign when President Joe Biden, 81, was still the Democratic nominee. Voters consistently said they thought he was too old to be president, though they also shared concerns about Trump's age.

In November 2023, the Trump campaign released a memo from his doctor Bruce Aronwald that said he was in "excellent" health and that his cognitive exams were "exceptional," though it omitted what types of tests Trump took and what the results were.

The former president has never released his medical records. The most thorough report released to the public is from January 2018.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White House doctor: Harris in 'excellent health,' has allergies