Just a day after former President Joe Biden disclosed that he is facing an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s remarks at a press conference drew backlash for their perceived insensitivity.
During the briefing, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy questioned whether President Donald Trump had any concerns about the standard of healthcare available to American presidents, especially in light of Biden’s advanced cancer.
“Is President Trump worried about the medical care presidents receive here, considering that White House physicians may have overlooked the early signs of Biden’s prostate cancer?” Doocy asked.
Leavitt, 27, brushed off the concern. “President Trump has no such worries,” she responded.
She praised the White House medical staff, saying, “Our physician here is outstanding, and the Walter Reed Medical Center team is top-notch.”
Leavitt also highlighted Trump’s recent health checkup. “He received excellent results and is in great physical condition. Anyone who accompanied us on last week’s Middle East trip can vouch for the president’s stamina.”
She further noted that Trump had spent the entire Saturday working in the Oval Office soon after returning from the trip. “He’s tireless, always on the move, and has complete confidence in his doctors,” she added.
Although Leavitt’s statements seemed intended to assure the public about Trump’s health, many found her comments ill-timed and lacking empathy, given the gravity of Biden’s diagnosis.
“She sounded cold and spiteful,” one social media user commented, while another pointed out that Trump appeared to doze off several times during the trip Leavitt mentioned.
This controversy erupted after Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer. According to a statement from his office, the diagnosis followed an evaluation for urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. Further tests confirmed the cancer had metastasized to his bones.
The statement described the disease as “a more aggressive form,” but noted that it is hormone-sensitive, which could make it more responsive to treatment.
Biden’s cancer has been given a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)—one of the highest ratings, indicating rapidly growing, abnormal cells. While the precise stage has not been disclosed, the spread to his bones suggests it is advanced.
Biden and his family are currently considering treatment options, likely including hormone therapy. The former president is staying at his Wilmington, Delaware home and has not yet shared where he will receive treatment.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, some specialists remain hopeful.
“This is a common scenario in genitourinary oncology,” Dr. Alan Tan of Vanderbilt University Medical Center told NBC News. “With the right treatment, many patients with this diagnosis can achieve remission.”