In a recent interview with Fox News, Texas GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician, has demanded that President Joe Biden undergo drug tests immediately before and after the upcoming presidential debate on Thursday. Jackson specifically suggested that the tests be conducted to look for performance-enhancing drugs.

This is not the first time such allegations have been made about Biden. Former President Donald Trump previously made similar claims during a rally in Philadelphia, insinuating that Biden used drugs to enhance his debate performance. Trump suggested that Biden would receive a "shot in the ass" before the debate to boost his energy levels.

The White House responded to Jackson's allegations by pointing to a statement made by spokesperson Andres Bates in May. Bates stated that it is telling that Republican officials continue to express intimidation by President Biden's performance, and suggested that their accusations were unfounded.

Accusations of Biden using performance-enhancing drugs have been intertwined with attacks on his age and mental fitness. The president, who is seeking another term at the age of 81, has faced criticism in this regard. Trump, who just turned 78, has also been questioned about his cognitive abilities, especially after mistakenly referring to Jackson as "Ronny Johnson" at a recent rally.

Mitch Landrieu, Biden's campaign co-chair, responded to Trump's false accusations about the president's drug use by referencing the "Ronny Johnson incident." Landrieu challenged Trump to bring forth any evidence he may have.

Interestingly, the idea of drug testing before presidential debates has arisen in the past. In 2020, Trump expressed willingness to take a drug test and called for Biden to do the same ahead of their general election debates. Similarly, in October 2016, Trump suggested both he and Hillary Clinton should undergo drug testing before a debate.

It is worth noting that Jackson, a close ally of Trump, has faced scrutiny himself during his time in the White House. In 2018, he withdrew his nomination to head the Department of Veterans Affairs after allegations of being drunk on duty and for indiscriminately prescribing medication without proper paperwork emerged. Jackson vehemently denied these allegations. Additionally, a 2021 report from a Pentagon inspector general accused Jackson of misconduct, including abusive behavior and sexual harassment of subordinates, which he has also denied.

As the debate approaches, the calls for drug testing continue to swirl around President Biden, reflecting the ongoing polarization and allegations that have become common in American politics.