Bipartisan prayers pour in for Joe Biden after aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis

Leaders from across the political spectrum have come together in support of former US President Joe Biden after his office announced on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.

The 82-year-old was diagnosed on Friday following tests that found a prostate nodule.

The cancer has metastasized to the bone and carries a Gleason score of 9, indicating one of the most severe forms. However, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for “effective management,” his office said in a statement.

The announcement prompted a rare moment of unity in American politics, as tributes and well-wishes flooded in from Republicans and Democrats alike.

“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,” US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her support on X, writing, “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.”

Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 18, 2025

Former US President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, said via social media, “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”

Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 18, 2025

Republican lawmakers also extended their support. “This is certainly sad news,” said house speaker Mike Johnson, adding that he and his family were praying for Biden.

Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose father died of cancer in 2021, wrote, “Prayers for Joe Biden and his family.”

I’m sorry to see this news.

Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer.

Prays for Joe Biden and his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IS38b2mpmL

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) May 18, 2025

Democratic leaders joined in with heartfelt tributes. Former house speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden is “a great American patriot” and that she and her husband Paul were “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery.”

President Joe Biden is a great American patriot. Paul and I join the millions across the country and around the world praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery in the battle against cancer. Sending love to him and his family.

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 18, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life.”

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.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 18, 2025

Senator Tim Kaine said Americans would be “with them every step of the way.”

Public figures also offered personal reflections. Meghan McCain, whose father Senator John McCain died from brain cancer, wrote, “Cancer is the absolute worst... I don’t believe times like these are appropriate for politics.”

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.

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 18, 2025

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton added, “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.”

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.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 18, 2025

Piers Morgan took aim at social media users mocking Biden’s condition, writing, “Show some bloody respect.”

Former Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo, who is also battling cancer, tweeted, “Cancer has no f***ing idea who it’s dealing with. Betting against Biden has never been and still remains a bad f***ing bet.”

Several others—Senators Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, Mike Lee, Peter Welch, John Fetterman; Governors Wes Moore and JB Pritzker; and Representatives Ro Khanna, Shontel Brown, Eric Swalwell, Jasmine Crockett, Chuck Edwards and more—offered their thoughts and prayers.

Biden's diagnosis comes after he experienced urinary symptoms. The cancer’s aggressive nature, Grade Group 5 with bone metastasis, means it’s “very treatable, but not curable,” news agency AP quoted Dr Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center, as saying.

Biden is reportedly reviewing treatment options with his physicians.

Biden’s fight against cancer has been personal. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015. In 2022, Biden relaunched the “cancer moonshot” with the goal of halving cancer deaths over the next 25 years.