On June 28, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the spread of rumors about President Joe Biden using performance-enhancing drugs before the first 2024 presidential debate.
Speaking to reporters outside the debate site in Atlanta, Georgia, the Democratic governor specifically criticized former President Donald Trump, who has pushed unsubstantiated claims that Biden was under the influence of drugs during his well-received State of the Union address in March. Trump has also joined calls for Biden to undergo a drug test before the two candidates take the stage for the debate.
"It's beneath contempt. It's a disgraceful tactic," Newsom said, according to a report from The Hill. The governor further stated that Trump's allegations were "just typical of somebody who's a bit unhinged."
Newsom's sharp rebuke came as the 81-year-old Biden, the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, has faced repeated criticism from Republicans over his occasional verbal missteps during public events. Some have raised concerns about his ability to serve another four-year term.
In contrast, the 78-year-old Trump has also faced questions about his mental sharpness in recent years. Polls have shown that a majority of American voters have concerns about the age and fitness of both candidates.
Newsweek reached out to Trump's campaign team on Thursday evening for comment on the matter.
The White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates, previously refuted unfounded allegations regarding Biden's drug use before his State of the Union address. Bates told Politico in May that it is noteworthy how Republican officials continue to express their intimidation by the President's performance at the State of the Union.
The Defense Department discovered that Trump's White House Medical Unit did not adhere to federal regulations for prescription drugs during his presidency. A report released by the department in January revealed that ineligible staff members were given controlled substances and stimulants.
Biden's campaign has mocked rumors about his drug use. Just before Thursday's debate, the President posted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, of a can of "Dark Brandon's Secret Sauce," described on his campaign website as "100% water, 0% malarkey," being sold for $4.60 per can.
In a post on X, Biden stated, "I don't know what's in these performance enhancers, but I'm feeling quite energized. Give it a try, folks."
Both candidates are entering the debate night in a close presidential race. A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College showed Trump leading Biden by four points if an election were held now. However, the same poll indicated that a majority of Americans view both Biden and Trump unfavorably.
According to FiveThirtyEight, as of Thursday afternoon, Biden and Trump have nearly equal chances of winning the 2024 presidential election. In simulations, Biden won 50 out of 100 times, while Trump won 49 out of 100.
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