Trump Questions Timing of Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis, Sparks Transparency Debate

Former President Donald Trump has publicly questioned the timing of Joe Biden’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the information may have been withheld from the public. Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump expressed surprise that the diagnosis was not disclosed earlier, stating, “I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine—that’s a long time”.

Trump’s reference to “stage nine” appears to conflate the Gleason score—a grading system for prostate cancer aggressiveness—with cancer staging. Biden’s medical team reported a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone.

The former president further insinuated that Biden’s medical team may have previously misrepresented his health status, noting that the same doctor who declared Biden cognitively fit might have overlooked or concealed the cancer diagnosis. “Somebody is not telling the facts,” Trump asserted .

Biden’s office announced the diagnosis on May 18, 2025, following a routine physical examination prompted by urinary symptoms. The cancer is described as hormone-sensitive, allowing for potential treatment options, though it is not considered curable at this advanced stage.

Medical experts have weighed in on the situation, with some suggesting that the cancer may have been developing for years. Dr. Howard Forman of Yale University remarked that a Gleason score of 9 would likely have been detected earlier through standard PSA testing, raising questions about the frequency and thoroughness of Biden’s medical evaluations.

The controversy has reignited discussions about the transparency of health disclosures for public officials, particularly those in high office. While Trump’s comments have drawn criticism for politicizing a personal health matter, they have also prompted calls for clearer protocols regarding the disclosure of significant medical conditions affecting national leaders.

As the debate continues, Biden and his family have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places”.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between personal privacy and public interest when it comes to the health of those in positions of power.