Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2025 — Messages of solidarity and support have poured in from across the United States and around the world following the news that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has reportedly metastasized to his bones.
The 82-year-old former president, who served as the 46th President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, is said to be under the care of a top-tier oncology team and surrounded by close family and loved ones. Though the news has deeply saddened many, it has also inspired a wave of compassion and unity across political and generational lines.
A Legacy of Resilience and Public Service
Throughout his decades-long career in public service, Joe Biden has been known for his resilience in the face of personal adversity, including the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter in 1972 and the later passing of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer in 2015.
This most recent challenge has only further highlighted the strength and grace with which Biden has approached life. As Americans learn of his diagnosis, many are reflecting on his legacy — not only as a leader but as a father, a grandfather, and a man of deep empathy.
Trump and others Extends Public Support
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, former President Donald J. Trump publicly expressed his well wishes for Biden, issuing the following statement:
“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.” – President Donald J. Trump
Trump also reiterated his previous sentiment of support:
“I may have political differences with Joe Biden, but I wish him strength and a full recovery. This is a battle no one should have to face alone.”
Trump’s statements were widely shared across media platforms, contributing to a national tone of unity during a deeply personal moment for the Biden family.
Many other well wishers also send their messages, some of these are included below:
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
“I’m thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery.”
Vice President Kamala Harris
“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.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom
“Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
“President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight. We’re with you in this fight, Joe.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul
“President Biden has served our nation with distinction. During this difficult time, Bill and I are praying for his health and a speedy recovery.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams
“I hope all Americans join me in sending him and his family prayers as they navigate the road ahead with this medical team. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James
“Heartbreaking news this afternoon. I’m praying for President Biden and his entire family, and I hope he makes a full recovery.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
“This is horrible news. My heart is with former President Biden and his entire family.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin
“Like so many of us, Joe Biden is a man of faith. In times like these, our faith carries us through hardship and powers us to persevere. Jenn and I are keeping the President and his family in our prayers.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
“He stood with me during some of the toughest times in our state, and we stand with him today. We pray for his strength and a swift recovery.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
“Gwen and I are praying for President Biden and his family. A truly decent man and a friend. We’re wishing him all the best.”
Former Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
“Politics aside, let’s pray for the health of our nation’s former President. His case of metastatic prostate cancer appears to be still in the hormone-sensitive disease stage, which leaves open the possibility of effective treatment.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
“Tammy and I are keeping former President @JoeBiden in our prayers and wishing Jill and the entire Biden family strength during this difficult time.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
“May they find strength and hope in one another, and be lifted up by the thoughts and prayers of Americans across the country who are thinking of them right now.”
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra
“President Biden is a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience.”
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
“Chasten and I are keeping him, and the entire Biden family, in our prayers for strength and healing.”
Senator Peter Welch (D-VT)
“I’m proud to join Vermonters in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as our party’s nominee for President of the United States.”
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)
“He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)
“Our thoughts are with President Biden and his family during this difficult time. Wishing him strength and a full recovery.”
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
“Sending thoughts and prayers to President Biden and his family as they face this health challenge.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
“Wishing President Biden strength and a swift recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
“Praying for President Biden and his family during this difficult time. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA)
“He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
“As you face this health challenge, my prayers are with you—for continued courage, grace in this moment of trial, and a full recovery.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)
“I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prayers for Joe Biden and his family.”
Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL)
Medical Outlook and Next Steps
According to Biden’s office, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering viable treatment pathways. Medical sources say the former president is consulting with top oncologists regarding therapies that may include hormonal treatments, radiation, or advanced drug regimens designed to slow progression and manage pain.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the U.S., and when it spreads to the bones, it requires coordinated, long-term management. The Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) suggests a highly aggressive form of the disease, but one that can respond to timely and comprehensive care.
National and Global Support
Leaders from both sides of the aisle, global heads of state, and advocacy organizations have extended their support. Social media platforms have seen thousands of posts with hashtags like #BidenStrong and #GetWellJoe, while cancer foundations have praised Biden’s openness for helping raise awareness.
Though no detailed statement has yet come directly from the former president, sources close to the family say he remains “optimistic and determined.”
