Former President Joe Biden's disclosure that he is battling advanced prostate cancer has triggered a wave of political criticism and speculation, with some allies defending the former first couple and others-particularly from Republican circles-accusing them of a cover-up. The backlash comes as questions mount over when the diagnosis was first known and whether First Lady Jill Biden should have disclosed his health status earlier.
Johanna Maska, a former aide who worked with Biden during his vice presidency under Barack Obama, said the controversy was likely hitting home. "I know they are sensitive to it," Maska told the Daily Mail. "This is not the graceful exit they dreamed of."
Biden's condition was revealed over the weekend, sparking accusations from critics that the cancer may have gone undetected or unreported for years. Oncologist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, who advised Biden's 2020 transition team, suggested on MSNBC's Morning Joe that the disease likely predated his presidency. "He probably had it at the start of his presidency in 2021," Emanuel said.
Donald Trump Jr. joined the fray online, resharing a post from Dr. Steven Quay, who claimed that prostate cancer is easily diagnosed early on. "What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer," Trump Jr. wrote on X. "Or is this yet another coverup???"
A senior official within the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, Leo Terrell, also weighed in, posting: "Elder Abuse! Criminal Charges?? She knew about President Biden's health problems. But still wanted him to run for President. Evil."
The scrutiny has been compounded by the absence of recent medical records. Biden's office confirmed that his last known PSA screening occurred in 2014. Despite his age and visible health issues during his presidency, Biden's longtime physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, repeatedly described him as fit for office in official reports.
The Biden family has not publicly responded to the allegations. A spokesperson for the former president did not return requests for comment.
In contrast to the tone of his son's remarks, President Donald Trump expressed sympathy on Truth Social, 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."
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed those sentiments. "Joe is a fighter," Harris wrote on X. "We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery."
