On May 20, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the timing of Joe Biden’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the severity of the illness indicates it may have been present and undisclosed during Biden’s tenure in office. Trump stated, “I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago,” emphasizing that such advanced cancer “can take years to get this level of danger” .
Biden’s office announced that the 82-year-old former president was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis followed increasing urinary symptoms, leading to medical evaluation. The cancer was graded with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form .
In response to Trump’s allegations, Biden’s team clarified that his last known prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was in 2014 and that there was no prior diagnosis of prostate cancer before the recent findings.
The situation has reignited debates over transparency concerning the health of public officials, with critics arguing that the public has a right to be informed about the health status of their leaders. The controversy also brings to light historical instances where U.S. presidents have concealed serious health issues from the public.
Adapted from content originally published by Al Jazeera.
