Donald Trump reacts to Joe Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer diagnosis

US president Donald Trump has reacted to news that his predecessor Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer which has spread to his bones.

Former Democrat president Biden, 82, was diagnosed with cancer on Friday (16 May) after experiencing urinary symptoms.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” a statement from Biden’s office read.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

Prostate cancers are measured on a one to 10 scale, known as a Gleason score, which rates how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells and indicates to a doctor how the cells might behave.

A score of 9 suggests, according to Cancer Research UK, that the “cells look very abnormal. The cancer is likely to grow quickly”.

In response to Biden’s diagnosis, president Donald Trump – who replaced Biden in January – wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that he was “saddened” by the news.

“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,” Trump wrote on the platform.

Biden’s former vice president Kamala Harris, who took over from him in the 2024 election cycle, said she and her husband’s

“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,” Harris said.

“We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.”

Across the pond in the UK, prime minister Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry” to hear of the diagnosis and wishes the former president “swift and successful treatment”.

The news of Biden’s cancer comes just under a year after he removed himself from the presidential race following concerns over his physical health and age.

At the time, Biden endorsed his vice president Harris as the Democrat nominee and she formerly accepted the role in August 2024 alongside her running mate Tim Walz.

However, Harris failed to win over the American public and Trump won the election, securing well in advance of the 270 electoral college seats needed become president.