Donald Trump Jr has been criticized for his comments after it was announced that Joe Biden has an "aggressive" form of cancer.
In a statement released by Biden’s office over the weekend, it was confirmed that doctors had found a “small nodule” on his prostate following reports of increasing urinary issues.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” it continued.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Per the Mayo Clinic: “The Gleason score and grade group are numbers that tell your healthcare team whether your prostate cancer is growing slowly or quickly. How quickly a cancer grows also is called a cancer's grade.”
While President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone on Truth Social, posting: “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.”
His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a far more controversial statement.
Taking to social media, the 47-year-old didn’t hold back: “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???”
Though his remarks quickly stirred backlash, Trump Jr. also shared a more neutral sentiment later on, responding to an image that read: “Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!”
One person replied: "Jill Biden has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware. She has never claimed to be a Doctor in the medical context."
A second added: "Why would someone with a doctorate in education know about prostate cancer before medical professionals?"
A third said: "Probably because she's a Dr of Education and not an MD you f***ing imbecile!"
Despite political rivalries, several GOP leaders issued kind words in the wake of Biden’s diagnosis.
“I was saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment,” said Senator Susan Collins of Maine.
North Carolina’s Thom Tillis added: “Praying for his full recovery,” while Utah Senator Mike Lee simply called it “sad news.”
Even Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Biden’s most outspoken critics, expressed empathy: “I was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also voiced her support for her former boss, writing on X: “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.”