‘Saddened’ Donald Trump wishes Joe Biden a fast recovery after prostate cancer diagnosis

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump squashed his long-standing bitter rivalry with Joe Biden as he offered his sympathy to the former president after he was diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer.

The 78-year-old took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday, May 18, to share that he and first lady Melania Trump were "saddened to hear" the news of Biden’s diagnosis.

"We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery," he added. 

Biden’s cancer diagnosis came just a week after reports emerged that a "small nodule" was found in his prostate that needed "further evaluation."

The 82-year-old's office revealed the diagnosis in a statement.

"Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," it read. 

"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,” the statement added, according to People.

Republicans express sympathy for Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis is revealed

Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, also wished Joe Biden a fast recovery following the shock diagnosis. Sharing a news headline that read, "Breaking: Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery," the 47-year-old wrote, "Agreed 100%." 

Apart from the Trump family, several other Republicans also shared their sympathies with the Biden family. Georgia Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene said she 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.”

Meanwhile, Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain, wrote on X, "Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light, and strength to President Biden and his family. I don't believe times like these are appropriate for politics."

Donald Trump’s previous attacks on Joe Biden’s health

Donald Trump’s heartfelt statement comes as a surprise to onlookers, considering his long history of divisive remarks about the former president whom he has often claimed was both physically and cognitively impaired while in office.

Just a few days back, the current president blasted his predecessor as “hapless and cognitively impaired” in a Truth Social post. 

In another post, Trump accused Biden of “purposefully” allowing “Millions of CRIMINALS to enter our Country, totally unvetted and unchecked” in what he alleged was “the single most calamitous act ever perpetrated upon America.”

Trump repeatedly insulted Biden before and during the 2024 election campaign, calling him "Sleepy Joe" and portraying him as too elderly and unfit to lead the nation.

Questions over the former president's age, health, and fitness for office ultimately led him to ditch his reelection campaign and let then-Vice President Kamala Harris, 60, take over.