Donald Trump Jr. Faces Backlash Over Comments About President Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis
Donald Trump initially sent well wishes to President Joe Biden after news broke that Biden had been diagnosed with cancer. But the tone shifted dramatically when his son, Donald Trump Jr., made remarks that many are calling offensive and insensitive.
Respectful Message Turns Controversial
President Biden, 82, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has reportedly spread to his bones. In the hours after the news broke, Donald Trump Jr. appeared to take the high road. He shared a post wishing Biden a “speedy recovery” and wrote, “Politics aside, we wish him well.”
However, that civility didn’t last long.
Shortly after his initial message, Trump Jr. posted a follow-up targeting First Lady Jill Biden. In the post, he questioned how Dr. Jill Biden — a longtime educator with a doctorate in education — could have “missed” such a serious illness in her husband. He went on to float a conspiracy theory suggesting the cancer may have been diagnosed earlier and kept secret.
He then pinned the post to the top of his X (formerly Twitter) profile, making it clear he wanted the message to stand out.
Public Reaction: “A Disgrace”
Trump Jr.’s remarks were met with swift and fierce criticism online.
“You’re a disgrace,” one X user wrote, echoing the outrage felt by many.
Another said, “Donald Trump Jr. just mocked President Biden’s cancer diagnosis. This is where we’re at in American politics. He’s a pathetic, reprehensible conman. Shame on him.”
“This is in really bad taste — even for you,” someone else added, calling out the timing and tone of his message.
One user fact-checked the post directly: “Didn’t take long for the internet trolls to spread misinformation about cancer. There are plenty of oncologists and urologists who can give you accurate info about prostate cancer, @DonaldJTrumpJr.”
Trump Sr. vs. Trump Jr.
The contrast between the two Trumps was striking. Former President Donald Trump kept his message respectful, expressing hope for Biden’s “fast and successful recovery.” Other MAGA-aligned figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, offered prayers and condolences.
“I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My dad passed away in 2021 from cancer,” Greene said, asking her followers to pray for the president and his family.
Conspiracy Theories Surface
Despite those supportive statements, some figures on the far-right have focused less on Biden’s health and more on unfounded theories.
Former White House physician Ronny Jackson criticized the medical team, claiming the cancer should have been caught earlier and suggesting the president’s doctor may have prioritized politics over care.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, went further — without providing any evidence — claiming President Biden has been terminally ill “for a long time.”
The Bigger Picture
According to medical experts, aggressive prostate cancer can spread quickly, making timely diagnosis and treatment critical. As the country watches closely, Trump Jr.’s inflammatory remarks have added another layer of political tension to an already sensitive situation.
His critics say the comments reveal more about his character than Biden’s health. And as the 2024 campaign season heats up, many wonder what impact this kind of rhetoric will have on voters.