Former US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by insinuating that President Joe Biden may have taken the sleep medication Ambien before their first presidential debate in 2020. The unsubstantiated claim has drawn sharp criticism from the White House, which labelled it as "absurd".
The Controversial Claim
During a recent interview, Trump suggested Biden's performance in the September 2020 debate might have been influenced by medication. "I've heard he was on some kind of drug," Trump stated, before specifically mentioning Ambien, a prescription sleep aid.
White House Response
The current administration was quick to dismiss Trump's allegations. A White House spokesperson called the claims "baseless and ridiculous", adding that "President Biden has always debated on his own merits". Medical experts have also weighed in, noting that Ambien's effects would likely impair rather than enhance debate performance.
Historical Context
This isn't the first time medication has become a political talking point. In 2018, Trump's then-physician revealed the president himself was taking a low dose of Ambien. The 2020 debate between Trump and Biden was notably contentious, with frequent interruptions and personal attacks.
Political Reactions
Political analysts suggest Trump's comments may be an attempt to reframe the narrative around his own debate performance, which was widely criticized. Meanwhile, Biden's campaign team has chosen not to engage directly with the allegations, focusing instead on current policy issues.
