A top spokesperson for Donald Trump claimed Thursday that Hillary Clinton has brain damage that impairs her ability to communicate.
Speaking on MSNBC, Katrina Pierson alleged that Clinton has a disorder called “dysphasia,” a condition brought on by brain trauma that erodes a person’s ability to speak or comprehend language.
“What’s new are the other reports or observations of Hillary Clinton’s behavior or mannerisms … as well as her dysphasia, the fact that she’s fallen, she has had a concussion, there are really interesting things out there,” Pierson said.
Trump has long claimed that Clinton lacks the physical stamina to be president and has stated repeatedly that she takes weekends off to catch up on her sleep.
But Trump and his campaign have not directly engaged with conspiracy theories, circulated on ultra-right wing blogs and talk shows, that Clinton’s health is badly deteriorating and that the media is complicit in a cover-up.
There is no evidence to back those claims up and Clinton’s physician, Dr. Lisa Bardack, has repeatedly stated that the former secretary of State is fit to serve.
Recently, Bardack released a statement to address the conspiracy theories around apparent falsified medical records with her name on them saying that Clinton has dysphasia.
“These documents are false, were not written by me and are not based on any medical facts,” Bardack said. “To reiterate what I said in my previous statement, Secretary Clinton is in excellent health and fit to serve as President of the United States.”
Pierson on Thursday said Clinton could clear up the confusion by holding a press conference in which she shows she’s capable of fielding questions.
“It’s important to note that Hillary Clinton has taken a lot of time off the campaign trail,” Pierson said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed, she’s taken a lot of time off the campaign trail. She hasn’t held a press conference this year. Why don’t we just have Mrs. Clinton have a press conference and she can answer all of these questions.”