Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) has called for President Joe Biden to take a drug test before and after his upcoming CNN debate with former President Donald Trump.
Jackson, a former White House physician for Trump and former President Barack Obama, made this announcement during an appearance on Fox News' “Sunday Morning Futures” with host Maria Bartiromo. He plans to formally request this test in a letter to President Biden, his physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor, and Biden's entire Cabinet.
Jackson expressed his reluctance in making this request, calling it embarrassing but necessary given the circumstances. He and other Republicans have speculated whether Biden uses drugs to enhance his performance, especially following his State of the Union address earlier this year, a claim the White House has firmly denied. White House spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed these speculations, suggesting that Republican officials are intimidated by Biden’s performance.
Trump, who has previously advocated for pre-debate drug tests, reiterated this sentiment during a campaign stop in Philadelphia, suggesting that Biden might be "jacked up" for the upcoming debate. Jackson’s letter, he explained, would represent the concerns of many Americans about Biden's potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.
DRUG TEST BIDEN BEFORE THE DEBATE!
Will we see Sleepy Joe, who lives in the White House Basement, or will we see Jacked-Up Joe who made an appearance at the State Of The Union???
The American people deserve to know if their "President" is taking Performance Enhancing Drugs!… pic.twitter.com/bAriC4LxaY
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) June 23, 2024
Jackson specifically pointed to Biden's uncharacteristically sharp performance during the State of the Union address as evidence, speculating that he may have been on medication. When pressed for details on what drugs Biden might be taking, Jackson mentioned Aricept, a drug often associated with treating cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. He also suggested that other drugs, such as Adderall or amphetamines, might be used to increase alertness.
Furthermore, Jackson speculated that Biden's week-long stay at Camp David for debate preparation might involve experimenting with different drug dosages to optimize his cognitive performance. He suggested that Biden’s aides could be working to find the right combination of medications to ensure he appears more alert and less confused during the debate.
Jackson emphasized the potential dangers of Biden being medicated during the debate, citing his observable struggles with staying awake, slurred speech, and occasional freezing episodes. He argued that the American people have a right to know the true state of Biden's health, framing it as a national security issue, as both allies and adversaries are likely observing these signs of cognitive decline.
In conclusion, Jackson's call for drug testing underscores ongoing concerns among some Republicans about Biden's cognitive abilities and the transparency of his health status. This latest request adds to the broader debate about the president's fitness for office and the measures taken to ensure he is mentally and physically capable of fulfilling his duties.