Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office said in a statement on Sunday.
Biden was diagnosed last Friday with cancer that’s metastasized to the bone. The cancer was discovered after the former president had reported urinary symptoms earlier this month, leading doctors to find a “small nodule” on his prostate.
The cancer has a Gleason score of nine. The scale is used to grade the severity of disease, with six representing a slow-growing tumor and 10, an aggressive, high-grade cancer.
The cancer also “appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement reads. “The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Many leaders, including President Trump, reacted to the news. Here’s a look:
How are Trump and other leaders reacting to Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis?
President Trump
Shortly after the announcement, President Trump took to Truth Social to wish his former political opponent well. “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,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, his son, Donald Jr., took the opportunity to push a conspiracy theory. “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” he posted to X.
Barack Obama
The former president wrote 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.”
Kamala Harris
Biden’s VP said on X that she and her husband Doug Emhoff are “saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis,” adding, “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.”
“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Marco Rubio
The Secretary of State kept his social media statement brief: “Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time.”
Vivek Ramaswamay
Ramaswamay, once a GOP presidential candidate, called for unity when wishing former president Biden well. “Politics aside, let’s pray for the health of our nation’s former President,” he wrote on X. “His case of metastatic prostate cancer appears to be still in the hormone-sensitive disease stage, which leaves open the possibility of effective treatment.
Numerous other Democrats, including NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and former speaker Nancy Pelosi also took to social media to send well wishes to former president Biden and his family.
