Donald Trump Jr. stokes controversy with his comment on Biden’s cancer diagnosis

Former US President Joe Biden, 82, is fighting an aggressive form of prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. His office announced the diagnosis on Sunday (May 18), noting that while this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.

The announcement has elicited a spectrum of reactions, with most of them wishing Biden well, but a few have also questioned how such an aggressive form of cancer go undiagnosed while he was the US President. One of the prominent voices raising a question is US President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

Before Trump Jr. raised his controversial question, President Trump extended his well wishes, stating, "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." Similarly, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed sympathy, noting her own father's battle with cancer.


Also Read: Trump’s special message after Biden’s cancer diagnosis

Questions on the timings of the announcement

A few other conservative figures, too, have questioned the timing and transparency of the diagnosis. Trump Jr. posted on X, "What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???"

Although just before he asked the question, Trump Jr. wrote in another X post that he “agreed 100%” with an image that read: “Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!”

Far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed that Biden has been terminally ill for a long time and suggested the announcement was timed to elicit sympathy ahead of a forthcoming book detailing his health decline.

The book in question, "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, portrays Biden as experiencing significant physical and cognitive decline during his presidency, with aides allegedly concealing the extent of his health issues.

For right-wing influencer Benny Johnson, Biden’s bout with cancer is “the most dangerous cover-up in the history of the presidency.”

“You’re telling me that the best doctors and testing on earth did not find Biden’s cancer in all these years of testing? Was every medical report a lie? For how long? Bullshit,” he wrote. “Absolute scandal. They knew. They lied. They hid it. For power. People need to be held accountable for this. Evil.”

Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of conservative news outlet The Federalist, pointed out that Biden was “under constant medical surveillance by the most sophisticated medical team on earth.” “After all the lies we were told about his health, we’re supposed to believe they just plum didn’t notice he had cancer that metastasized to the bone until now?” he said.

Additionally, recently released audio from a 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur reveals Biden struggling to recall key dates and events, further fueling concerns about his cognitive health.

Despite the controversies, many across the political spectrum have offered support.

Conservative pundit Piers Morgan condemned those mocking Biden's health, urging respect for his service and battle with cancer. Meghan McCain also called for compassion, stating, "Let the Biden family be in peace right now. This is all just so sad and imprudent."