Joe Biden, the former president, received the heartbreaking news that he had severe prostate cancer. Donald Trump is now speaking out on Biden’s terrible health fight for the first time.
The sobering news on Sunday may ease tensions between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who have long traded jabs and insults. Joe Biden’s office revealed on May 18 that the 82-year-old former president had been diagnosed with stage 9 prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
“President Joe Biden was seen last week for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement said. He received a prostate cancer diagnosis on Friday; it has metastases to the bone and a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5). The statement went on to say: Despite being a more severe version of the illness, the malignancy seems to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for efficient treatment. Together with his doctors, the President and his family are going over their choices for treatment.
Despite being a more severe version of the illness, the malignancy seems to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for efficient treatment. Together with his doctors, the President and his family are going over their choices for treatment. Voters have long been concerned about Biden’s health, particularly during his tenure in office and his brief 2024 presidential campaign.
Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
Biden shocked many by withdrawing from the race just three months before Election Day, handing the reins to Vice President Kamala Harris after faltering in a contentious debate with Donald Trump and dealing with growing health concerns.
After Biden’s on-camera performance aroused questions during that stormy campaign season, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was forced to officially refute allegations that he had Alzheimer’s. Donald Trump, Biden’s successor and political foe, has now come forth with an unexpectedly polite message as his health news makes headlines once more. Trump posted on Truth Social:
The news of Joe Biden’s recent illness diagnosis saddens Melania and me. We wish Joe a speedy and full recovery and send our heartfelt regards to Jill and the family. Kamala Harris, the former vice president who took over as head of the Democratic campaign when Biden pulled out, also wished him well on his recuperation, calling him a “strong fighter.”
Doug and I are disappointed to hear that President Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. During this time, we are praying and thinking about him, Dr. Biden, and their whole family,” Harris wrote on X. Joe is a warrior, and I have no doubt that he will approach this task with the same fortitude, tenacity, and hope that have always characterized his life and leadership. We wish for a complete and quick recovery.
Joe Biden has previously fought cancer. During his tenure in government, he had surgery in 2023 to remove a malignant tumor. He also underwent treatment for skin cancer prior to becoming president. Biden has remained steadfastly committed to the fight against cancer in spite of these health issues, particularly since the tragic death of his oldest son, Beau, from a brain tumor in 2015.
