Former President Donald Trump made unsubstantiated claims on Monday suggesting that President Joe Biden delayed disclosing his prostate cancer diagnosis, implying a broader pattern of opacity regarding Biden’s health. Trump’s remarks came shortly after Biden publicly announced his diagnosis, which has been classified as Stage 4 cancer—a serious condition.
During a press event at the White House, Trump expressed surprise that the public had not been informed of Biden’s condition much earlier, stating, “I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago because to get to Stage 9, that’s a long time.” However, it is important to note that the Gleason score, which Biden received as a measure of cancer aggressiveness, is not aligned with cancer staging systems, as there is no recognized Stage 9 for cancer. Biden’s Gleason score is 9, indicative of aggressive cancer, while his diagnosis is Stage 4.
Additionally, Trump incorrectly stated that routine prostate cancer screening is standard practice for older men. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine PSA screening for men over 70, suggesting potential risks outweigh the benefits. In a twist, Trump pointed out that he had been screened for prostate cancer during his physical examination and compared his health oversight to Biden’s situation.
Biden’s last official physical was in February 2024, which was conducted by a team of 20 doctors, although it did not include a cognitive test. Trump’s assertions regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities have echoed previous narratives; in fact, a special counsel report described Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory.” Moreover, Biden’s performance in debates, including a notable moment during a June debate with Trump, raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his fitness for office.
While medical disclosures among U.S. presidents have historically varied, Biden’s administration has faced scrutiny over transparency in light of these health issues. Trump articulated concern over the potential risks of concealing medical conditions, linking them to the national impact, specifically referencing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Political debates on presidential health are not new, but they become particularly charged in election cycles. Many in Biden’s own party have expressed concerns over his ability to run for a second term, especially following press coverage and public discussions about his age and health.
While Trump’s comments stem from a contentious political landscape, voters may take these discussions of health transparency and political accountability into consideration as the election approaches. Such topics remain pivotal as they intersect with the public’s trust and perception of leadership capability.