 "Former US President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Source: File Image/ AP")
As the race to the White House intensifies, former US President Donald Trump said that his archnemesis Joe Biden should be “drug tested” ahead of the two crucial presidential debates. Both the presidential candidates for the upcoming 2024 US Elections have already agreed to participate in the highly anticipated debates.
The business-mogul-turned politician cited the incumbent’s State of the Union address and claimed that Biden was “high as a kite” while delivering the speech. “I just want to debate this guy, but you know – and I’m gonna demand a drug test too, by the way,” Trump told a charged-up gathering during a speech at a GOP dinner in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“I am. No, I really am. I don’t want him coming in like the State of the Union. He was high as a kite,” he added. “We’re going to demand a drug test,” the former president reiterated. However, he did not clarify whether he would take one himself.
Not the first time
It is important to note that this is not the first time Trump has demanded Biden to take a drug test before debating him. In 2020, the former reality TV star argued that Biden’s debate performances during the Democratic primaries had been “uneven,” and said he would be “strongly demanding” a drug test before they face each other.
“I’m willing to take a drug test. I think he should, too." However, neither candidate ended up taking the drug test before their 2020 presidential debate. Trump also made similar claims against his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton. The Biden campaign is yet to respond to Trump’s attack.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe heated speech
During his 90-minute-long speech in Minnesota, Trump delved into familiar topics — from criticizing Biden’s economic policies to illegal immigration to railing against electric cars — that he often mentions during his rallies.
He also slammed a CNN journalist who will be moderating one of the debates. “Remember that idiot from CNN? Oh, I shouldn’t say that I’m doing a debate with them, they’ll be slightly tougher. I have ‘Fake Tapper’," he said referring to CNN’s Jake Tapper who will be moderating the debate on June 27.
With inputs from agencies.