The US president has joined a bipartisan outpouring of support for his predecessor
US President Donald Trump has extended well wishes to his predecessor and long-standing political rival, Joe Biden, following news of his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. The message came amid an outpouring of support from current and former political leaders across party lines.
On Sunday, the office of Biden, 82, said that a routine physical check led to the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. Tests confirmed an aggressive form of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, indicating high severity. However, doctors said the cancer is hormone-sensitive and manageable, with treatment options now under review by the Biden family and his physicians.
Trump took to Truth Social to extend his sympathy, writing: “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.”
Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president for eight years, posted on X: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris described Biden as “a fighter,” adding: “he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”
On the other side of the aisle, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former President in the wake of his diagnosis.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also offered his sympathies, saying he and his wife are “united in prayer for the Biden Family amid this difficult time.”
This is not Biden’s first cancer-related diagnosis. In 2023, doctors removed a basal cell carcinoma – a common and typically non-life-threatening form of skin cancer – from his chest during a routine skin screening. At the time, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said, “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” and that no further treatment was required.
