While speaking to reporters Monday, President Donald Trump expressed surprise over the recent disclosure of former President Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer diagnosis, suggesting that it could have been present for several years.
Despite initially offering well-wishes to the Biden family in response to a question, Trump hinted that the information might have been withheld during Biden’s presidency.
"I'm surprised that the public wasn't notified a long time ago, because to get to stage 9, that's a long time," the president said.
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The diagnosis, which was confirmed on Sunday, revealed that Biden has an aggressive form of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade tumor. The cancer has metastasized to the bones, and Biden is currently reviewing treatment options with his medical team, per the family's statement.
In response to a question about Biden's cancer diagnosis, Trump briefly expressed sympathy before shifting focus to his own health. He claimed to have "aced" a recent cognitive test, stating, "I did a very complete physical, including cognitive tests. I'm proud to announce I aced it."
Writer Brian Krassenstein reacted to a clip of Trump's remarks in a post on the social platform X, saying: "This is one of the more disgusting videos I’ve seen. Biden just announced his cancer diagnosis and Trump is dabbling in conspiracy theories and bragging about his own medical tests. Oh, and there is no 'stage 9' cancer."
Public health scientist Dr. Eric Ding said: "THERE IS NO STAGE 9! Trump on Biden's cancer diagnosis: 'I'm surprised that the public wasn't notified a long time ago, because to get to stage 9, that's a long time ...'but stage 9 doesn’t exist… there is only stages 1-4 (maybe a stage 0 for some)."
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Journalist Mike Rothschild wrote: "Trump continues to talk about his successful cognitive test the way Al Bundy talked about his four touchdown game at Polk High School."
Political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen wrote: "Ah yes, stage 9 cancer. Tuning into CNN for nonstop coverage or are the nonsensical ramblings of a demented manchild okay as long as it's a Republican?"
Author James Surowiecki wrote: "'To get to stage 9.' Trump has to exaggerate even the stages of cancer."
Economist Tony Annett wrote: "Sociopaths are incapable of empathy, think only of themselves."
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