President Trump, on Monday, raised questions without providing evidence about the timing of former President Joe Biden’s announcement regarding his prostate cancer diagnosis. Trump alleged that the delay might be indicative of a broader pattern of non-transparency by the Biden administration concerning the former president’s health status. Initially, Trump expressed sympathy following Biden’s disclosure on Sunday but quickly shifted to skepticism, suggesting that the public should have been informed sooner. He speculated on the severity of the illness, mistakenly referencing a “Stage 9” cancer, which does not exist. Biden’s actual diagnosis was Stage 4, accompanied by a Gleason score of 9, indicating aggressiveness.
Adding to his comments, Trump mentioned that regular prostate cancer screening should be a standard part of physical examinations. However, current guidelines by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend against routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men over 70, citing potential risks. The recommendation for men aged 55 to 69 is to consult with their healthcare providers regarding PSA screening. Trump insinuated that the same doctor who assessed Biden’s cognitive health may have overlooked critical issues, further suggesting that Biden’s team might be using an autopen to manage White House operations — a theory circulated in some right-wing circles. Biden’s office has not commented on these claims.
Traditionally, the disclosure of a president’s medical information is at the discretion of the White House, and there is a history of presidents keeping certain health issues private. Trump himself, who has been secretive about his health details, mentioned that he recently underwent prostate cancer screening, and noted that he had completed a cognitive test, unlike Biden.
Concerns about Biden’s age and cognitive health were highlighted in a special counsel report describing him as an “elderly man with a poor memory.” These concerns were exacerbated following a debate incident where Biden appeared to struggle, prompting his physician to release further medical information. This incident led some Democratic leaders to urge Biden to withdraw from the election, especially after Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss to Trump. Critics blamed Biden for not stepping aside earlier.
