Trump Reacts to Biden’s Aggressive Cancer Diagnosis: “We Wish Him a Fast and Successful Recovery”
Former President Joe Biden has received a devastating diagnosis: an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The news was confirmed in a statement released by his office on Sunday, prompting reactions from across the political spectrum — including a surprisingly warm message from former rival Donald Trump.
Aggressive Diagnosis Confirmed
The 82-year-old former president was recently evaluated for increasing urinary symptoms. On May 18, his doctors confirmed the presence of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) — one of the most severe forms of the disease — along with evidence of bone metastasis.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease,” the statement read, “the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Trump Breaks His Silence
Although Biden and Trump have long been fierce political adversaries, Trump responded to the diagnosis with compassion. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote:
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
The comment marks a rare moment of civility in a relationship defined by sharp rhetoric and high-stakes political clashes.
Concerns Over Biden’s Health and Withdrawal from 2024 Race
Health questions had dogged Biden during much of his presidency and intensified during the 2024 election cycle. After a shaky debate performance against Trump and rising public concern over his age and fitness, Biden abruptly exited the presidential race just three months before Election Day. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor and the new Democratic nominee.
In 2023, Biden had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He has also previously undergone treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers. Despite these setbacks, he was declared “fit to serve” in early 2024 following a routine physical exam at Walter Reed.
Harris and Others Respond
Vice President Kamala Harris, now leading the Democratic ticket, offered her heartfelt support following Biden’s diagnosis. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”
A Personal Fight
Biden’s crusade against cancer is deeply personal. His son, Beau Biden, died of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2015. Biden has often linked Beau’s illness to exposure to toxic burn pits during his military service in Iraq.
That tragedy helped inspire Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative — a national campaign to reduce cancer deaths and improve patient outcomes by 2047. Biden relaunched the program in 2022 during his presidency, vowing to make cancer research and treatment a top priority.
What’s Next
The former president and his family are now considering treatment options, which may include hormone therapy — often used to slow the growth of hormone-sensitive prostate cancers. Biden’s team has not indicated when he might make another public appearance, though sources close to the family say he remains in good spirits.
As political tensions ease, at least briefly, in the wake of this diagnosis, Americans are left with a moment of unity — and a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities that transcend party lines.
