President Donald Trump faced harsh backlash after making controversial comments regarding Joe Biden’s newly confirmed prostate cancer diagnosis.
Joe Biden was diagnosed with aggressive cancer
On May 18, Biden’s medical team confirmed he was battling aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer* that had spread to the bone.
Doctors also reported the illness as “hormone-sensitive” and manageable with treatment.
However, the prognosis remains serious due to the cancer’s progression.
The 82-year-old underwent evaluation after urinary issues led to the discovery of a high-grade prostate nodule.
Biden’s cancer was scored a 9 on the Gleason scale, placing it in Group 5, indicating aggressive behavior—but not a “stage 9” cancer.
Trump’s reaction to joe biden’s cancer diagnosis drew sharp criticism
After news broke that Joe Biden was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, Trump misrepresented Biden’s condition and then shifted attention to himself during press remarks.
From the Oval Office, Trump stated: “I think it’s very sad actually, I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago because to get to stage 9, that’s a long time.”
This comment sparked confusion and criticism, as there is no such thing as “stage 9” cancer in medical terminology.
Experts confirmed Trump misinterpreted the Gleason score, which assesses cell abnormality, not cancer staging.
He then veered into broader political claims, blaming Biden for the situation in Ukraine and Russia. He also repeated allegations about hidden details regarding Biden’s health.
Trump went on: “It’s very dangerous. Look, this is no longer politically correct, this is dangerous for our country.
“Look at the mess we’re in and you’re talking about these questions on Ukraine and Russia, that would have never happened as an example, if I were president, it would never have happened.
“The other thing is why did it take so long? It can take years to get to this level of danger.
Social media reaction
On social media, many viewers were stunned by Trump’s comments when asked about Joe Biden. Meanwhile, many praised Biden for his strength in facing an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Trump was also criticized for boasting about his own health while Biden struggles with cancer.
In the same remarks, Trump boasted about his own cognitive and physical exam results, stating, “I’m proud to have aced it.”
His comments were widely viewed as insensitive, self-aggrandizing, and medically inaccurate.
Critics immediately accused Trump of making the Biden cancer diagnosis “all about himself.”
One person said: He is disgusting at times.
A second wrote: He somehow turned Biden’s health news into a self-praise session.
While a third commented: Mentioning ‘Stage 9’ and bragging about acing cognitive tests—that’s the kind of irony he excels at.
Another added: But did he say stage 9? Trump said this I heard it
Someone else said: Kicking a man when he’s down, isn’t being a man
Another user added: What goes around comes around.
Trump Jr. slammed for mocking Jill Biden in cancer post
Donald Trump Jr. added fuel to the fire with a tweet accusing Jill Biden of missing signs of “stage five metastatic cancer.”
He implied a cover-up by suggesting the First Lady overlooked Biden’s condition—despite her not being a medical doctor.
Many users pointed out that Jill Biden holds a doctorate in education, not medicine.
After backlash, Trump Jr. claimed the post was “sarcasm,” though it did little to quell criticism. His remarks were seen as further politicizing a serious health issue for online clout.
Questions about Joe Biden’s health have circulated throughout his presidency and his re-election campaign. These intensified after a 90-minute debate with Trump that many called “confusing” and “disoriented.”
In November 2021, Biden had a benign polyp removed, and in February 2023, a basal cell carcinoma was taken off his chest. Despite speculation, the White House has denied any Alzheimer’s diagnosis or signs of major cognitive decline.
Still, ongoing concerns continue to shape public perception as the 2024 election approaches.