From Alex Jones’ Infowars to keyboard warriors on X, how the Republican right are already exploiting Biden’s tragedy to score political points.
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, with doctors confirming the disease has already spread to his bones.
The shocking announcement came via a statement from Biden’s office today, confirming that the 82-year-old sought medical attention last week after experiencing urinary symptoms. Medics discovered a prostate nodule, and by Friday, a devastating diagnosis had been delivered – a Grade 5 advanced prostate cancer with signs of rapid spread.
However, the tragic diagnosis has triggered heated reaction online, particularly from right-wing figures.
Infowars, the controversial platform founded but no longer owned by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, posted on X: “It’s Official — The 2020 Election Was Stolen, Joe Biden Was Never Legitimately President! And Now, Right On Time, He’s Diagnosed with Aggressive Cancer! Alex Jones is LIVE, Exposing the Truth, Breaking Major News & Covering the Latest Shocking Developments.”
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Conservative commentator and YourVoice America host Bill Mitchell questioned how the cancer had gone undetected for so long, saying: “Here’s my question. If this prostate cancer is so advanced it has spread to his bones, how did his White House physician not diagnose and treat it earlier? Early diagnosis and treatment is key to survival. Joe Biden has likely had prostrate cancer for 4 to 6 years!”
Tim Pool, host of Timcast IRL and The Culture War Podcast , also weighed in, writing: “Joe Biden has Cancer with metastasis to the bone. This is considered advanced. If he had the best medical care and screenings for 4 years they’d have found it and it means he’s likely had it since before dropping out. Democrats knew.”
What has Trump said about Biden’s cancer?
However, President Trump himself took a measured and compassionate tone via his Truth Social platform: “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.”
Despite the severity of Biden’s illness, there is a glimmer of hope. The cancer is described as “hormone-sensitive,” which could allow for more effective management. The statement shared by Biden’s office detailed: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.”
It continued: “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.”
“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Did anyone know Biden had cancer before he was President?
Biden, who served as President from 2020 to 2024, chose not to seek re-election, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. His decision came amid mounting questions over his age and fitness, particularly as he prepared to face off again with Donald Trump.
Despite his personal physician declaring him “fit to serve” following a February 2024 assessment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, concerns had continued to swirl.
Now, a forthcoming book is set to lift the lid further. Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , due out Tuesday (May 20), is authored by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson.
It reportedly reveals Biden’s advisers had at one point discussed whether he might need a wheelchair if he pushed for a second term. The behind-the-scenes concern came after a series of stumbles and public falls — including a viral moment in June 2023 when Biden tripped during a commencement speech at the US Air Force Academy and had to be helped up by Secret Service agents.
Observers on social media and medical experts alike commented on his slowed gait and frequent falls, suggesting possible neurological or spinal issues.
What did the Whitehouse say about Biden’s health?
While White House aides downplayed the incidents as normal signs of ageing, Biden’s eventual decision to withdraw from the 2024 race followed months of internal party debate.
His exit cleared the path for Kamala Harris, though some Democrats believe it came too late. Senator Amy Klobuchar said this weekend: “We needed a real debate about the future of the country. Instead, we were stuck in a waiting game.”
As the former president begins a cautious return to public life, he and wife Jill Biden appeared on The View last week, sparking a mixed response from Democrats about how involved he should be in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Just last Friday, Biden attended a Philadelphia hospital for more tests on what was initially identified as a “small nodule” – a worrying sign that required “further evaluation,” according to a spokesperson.
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