Americans appear to want President Donald Trump to share his health records, according to a new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index poll released on Friday.
The new poll found that around eight in 10 Americans want U.S. presidents to take cognitive tests and publish their health screenings. It also revealed that the majority — 81% — believes in age limits on the presidency.
Seventy-four percent of respondents said there should be a legal requirement for Trump to share his health records, compared to 24% in opposition. Fifty-seven percent of Americans argue that former presidents should legally share them, with 40% disagreeing.
The poll also found that 72% of respondents strongly or somewhat disagree that most elected officials are honest with the public about their health, with only 25% saying they are transparent.
The latest poll surveyed 1,104 U.S. adults from June 13-16 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. It comes as the issue of health and age among presidents has gained national attention and public scrutiny. Concerns have surfaced over the alleged mental decline of former President Joe Biden, who was 82 at the time he left the presidency, and the election of Trump, 79, who is the oldest president to take the oath of office in U.S. history.
While presidents are not required to share medical data, Trump has limited the release of his health records. His latest report, released by White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella in April, said that he “exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit.” Critics, however, have questioned whether the president has the proper mental fitness to run the government, pointing to gaffes and tirades in speeches and interviews.
“I took a cognitive test. And I don’t know what to tell you, other than I got every answer right,” Trump told reporters following his exams. “I took just a lot of different tests, having to do with the heart, having to do with other things.”
While Biden was in office, his doctor has repeatedly claimed that the former president was able to run the country. But his recent prostate cancer diagnosis has raised concerns — with Trump suggesting, without evidence, that it was hidden from the public.
Earlier this month, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) expanded an investigation into an alleged “cover-up” of Biden’s health by his inner circle over the issuance of pardons at the end of his term and other executive actions.
Stories by Rachel Cohen
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.