One unexpected voice, and the wave of disbelief it created, stood out as the former US president received support from people of all political stripes. On May 18, 2025, Joe Biden’s office made a public declaration confirming his prostate cancer diagnosis, sparking a lot of internet criticism. According to the statement, Biden was checked by a physician following complaints about his urine.
Following the identification of a prostate tumor, subsequent tests revealed an aggressive form of prostate cancer with bone metastases and a Gleason score of 9 (Grade 5). The cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective medical treatment despite the severity of the diagnosis. According to the statement, Biden and his family are currently evaluating treatment options with their specialists.
The next day, May 19, President Donald Trump addressed the news on his Truth Social platform. In the message, he wrote, “Melania and I are heartbroken to learn of Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We express our warmest and best wishes to Jill and her family, as well as Joe’s speedy and healthy recovery. Trump’s statement quickly went viral on social media, with many followers surprised and skeptical of the tone of his words.
On Instagram, someone said, “He didn’t write that.” Another wrote, “Trump did not write this. PERIOD!” A commenter echoed the sentiment, asking, “Where is Trump?” And what have you done with him?” Similar replies expressed doubt about the message’s validity. “Who even believes this message [sic]?” one individual asked, while another stated, “There’s no way he wrote that.”
Some were surprised by the unexpected nature of the announcement. “I’m shocked that he said anything!” one individual exclaimed. Another reaction was, “Wow, no harsh comments! I am confident he did not compose it.” Since the announcement of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, national leaders and medical professionals have replied with their comments. Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her support on Instagram on May 19.
She wrote, “Doug and I are saddened to hear about President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are putting him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Joe is a warrior, and I am confident that he will meet this challenge with the same tenacity, resilience, and optimism that have defined his life and leadership. We wish for a full and rapid recovery.”
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s earlier support for cancer research during his speech on X. He said, “Michelle and I are thinking about the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to discover breakthrough cures for cancer in all of its forms than Joe, and I am confident he will face this challenge with his typical resolve and elegance. We pray for a quick and complete recovery.”
Medical experts have also commented on the diagnosis. In a BBC interview, Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, discussed the condition. He classified Biden’s cancer as severe and emphasized the severity of its spread. “In general, if cancer has spread to the bones, we don’t think it is considered a curable cancer,” the doctor stated.
However, many patients respond well to treatment, according to Dr. Dahut, who adds that “people can live for many years with the diagnosis.” He highlighted that hormone therapy are likely to be used to alleviate symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Biden has previously battled cancer. A skin lesion excised from his chest during a routine physical examination was discovered to be basal cell carcinoma, according to an NBC News item from March 2023.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the White House doctor at the time, stated that no further treatment was required because all cancerous tissue had been safely removed. Joe Biden is continuously working with his doctors and planning the next stages of his therapy as replies continue to come in. The management of his condition, as well as public support from residents and politicians, are currently the key themes of discussion.