Several Republicans have called for President Joe Biden to undergo a drug test to determine the president is not under the influence of a stimulant prior to his upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, Biden challenged Trump to two debates, which the former president agreed to shortly after. It was later confirmed the two would participate in a debate on June 27 and Sept. 10 hosted by CNN and ABC, respectively.
After debates were announced, several Republicans, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, called for Biden to undergo a drug test prior to the upcoming June debate citing the president's lively appearance at his State of the Union (SOTU) address earlier this year in comparison to his other public appearances.
During a Sunday appearance on Fox News, host Maria Bartiromo asked if Biden should submit to drug testing, to which Sen. Scott responded: "Why not?"
“The truth of the matter is if you saw the State of the Union and you watched that performance, it was surreal," the South Carolina senator said. "There was something going on, and if we could find the truth of what it was, we’re all better off." Tim Scott to Maria Bartiromo on Trump: "He doesn't need a teleprompter!" (Complaining about his teleprompter is something Trump does almost every speech ... ) pic.twitter.com/XPy7QgNDGI
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 19, 2024
“If it takes artificial stimulation to make the President of the United States perform, how often can he do that?" Scott asked.
Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna also suggested Biden should undergo drug testing prior to the upcoming debate.
“We’re talking about someone who has the ability to launch nukes,” Luna said during her own Sunday appearance on Fox News, adding Biden's mental capacity had been called into question in special counsel Robert Hur's report released earlier this year. "The reason why we're fighting so hard to hear these actual audio recordings of the president during his interview [with Hur] is because we need to ensure that this individual is essentially capable of not just leading this country, but he can make those tough decisions." There should be required drugs tests before the debates.
pic.twitter.com/ugsi2nFfo7
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) May 19, 2024
"I'm not trying to be funny here, we don't necessarily trust that he can do that right now," Luna added.
Trump also called for Biden to undergo drug testing during a Minnesota rally last week.
“I just want to debate this guy," Trump said, adding he would demand Biden undergo drug testing. Trump in Minnesota in rare form.
I want to debate this guy but I’m going to demand a drug test.pic.twitter.com/4pmoZurVqF
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) May 18, 2024
“I don’t want him coming in like the State of the Union. He was high as a kite,” Trump added. “I said is that Joe up there? … And by the end of the evening … he was exhausted, right? No, we’re going to demand a drug test.”
Shortly after Trump and Biden agreed to a debate hosted by CNN next month, the outlet issued qualifications for fellow presidential candidates to participate.
Per CNN's press release, a candidate's name must appear on a "sufficient" amount of state ballots to receive 270 electoral votes, and receive at least 15% support in four separate national polls of registered likely voters.
The CNN debate will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, Mediaite reports.
