Aside from Donald Trump Jr. penning a widely scrutinized message about Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, his father (the U.S. President) has also reacted to the cancer news.
Following Donald Trump Jr.’s initial message about former US President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, he reposted Dr. Steven Quay’s message about the news on X, on May 19, 2025. He attached his own reaction as well, questioning the transparency and details of the diagnosis, which many people found extremely distasteful and wrong.

Donald Trump Jr. speaking during a campaign rally in Sanford, North Carolina on November 3, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In his post, Dr. Quay claimed, “Prostate cancer is the easiest cancer to diagnose when it first starts and to watch it progress to bone metastases,” noting that “even with the most aggressive form, it is a 5–7 year journey without treatment before it becomes metastatic.”
He went on to suggest that a diagnosis at such an advanced stage would imply serious negligence, asserting, “It would be malpractice for this patient to show up and be first diagnosed with metastatic disease in May 2025.”

Former U.S. President Joe Biden arriving on Air Force One at Stansted Airport in Essex, England on July 9, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
In his closing remarks, Quay cast further doubt on the timing, concluding, “It is highly likely he was carrying a diagnosis of prostate cancer throughout his White House tenure and the American people were uninformed.”
Echoing this inflammatory tone, Trump Jr. added his own commentary above the repost, writing, “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???”
The message was met with immediate backlash online. Among those who vocally condemned Trump Jr.’s message was New York Times bestselling author Don Winslow, known for his acclaimed novels such as “The Border,” “The Cartel,” and “The Power of the Dog.”
Taking to X, Winslow did not mince words, penning, “I’m not going to retweet Donald Trump, Jr’s disgusting post about Joe Biden today.”

Don Winslow speaking onstage at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in Los Angeles, California on April 24, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Instead of amplifying the original message, he opted to remind followers of what he views as Trump Jr.’s character.
He posted an old image of Trump Jr. holding an elephant tail and knife from a controversial hunting trip, accompanied by a widely circulated message questioning whether the act was “barbaric or game.”

Donald Trump Jr. spotted out in London, England on June 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Winslow’s rebuke of Trump Jr.’s remarks echoed the sentiment shared by many online — one of deep disgust and rejection of what they saw as a politically charged and callous reaction to a grave, personal health matter.
One commenter labeled the post “in really bad taste” even for Trump Jr., while another described it as “tasteless.” A fellow spectator expressed, “What a shameful, disgusting thing to say.”

Donald Trump Jr. spotted leaving Trump Tower in New York City on May 29, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Several netizens reflected on a recurring pattern in Trump Jr.’s public commentary, saying that “there’s no bottom for Don Jr. Truly despicable.”
Other reactions were more pointed and emotional. “Mocking a cancer diagnosis is a disgusting low, and Don Jr.’s behavior reflects a shameful lack of basic human decency,” one person declared. “To take cruel [sic] to this level is not only reprehensible, but also unimaginable. As was said. There is no bottom,” opined someone else.

Donald Trump Jr. speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another individual sharply criticized Trump Jr.’s dig at Biden’s wife, stating, “Donald Trump Jr [sic] uses Biden’s cancer diagnosis as an opportunity to mock Jill Biden’s doctorate in education.”
A more measured but equally disapproving voice remarked, “Insulting someone only reflects poorly on yourself. Take a moment to breathe, reflect, and choose kindness over hostility.”

Donald Trump Jr. addressing the media outside of the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on May 21, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The chorus of disapproval painted a clear picture: For many observers, Trump Jr.’s post crossed a line, not just politically, but morally.
Before his inflammatory remarks, Trump Jr. had initially responded to the news of Biden’s cancer diagnosis with a civil tone. In a now-overshadowed post, he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation by endorsing a message that expressed well wishes for Biden’s recovery, regardless of political affiliation.
This earlier reaction stood in stark contrast to the accusatory and conspiratorial rhetoric he would go on to post just hours later.
While Trump Jr.’s comments dominated headlines for their volatility, his father, the President of the United States (POTUS), took a markedly different approach.

President of the United States Donald Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., at the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas on November 19, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Posting on Truth Social, the president offered a message of sympathy and support, expressing both personal and familial concern for Biden’s condition.
“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,” wrote the POTUS.

U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, former U.S. President Joe Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden during the departure ceremony in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
News of Biden’s diagnosis first emerged on Sunday, May 18, through an official statement from his personal office and coverage by outlets such as CNN. According to the information released, the former president has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.
The condition was identified following an evaluation prompted by escalating urinary symptoms and the discovery of a new prostate nodule.
Medical specialists later confirmed the diagnosis, classifying the cancer with a Gleason score of 9, indicative of a high-grade, fast-growing disease. While the spread to the bone is concerning, the cancer is reported to be hormone-sensitive, which presents a more hopeful path for treatment and management.
Together with his family, Joe Biden, who is 82, is said to be exploring treatment options in consultation with his healthcare team.

Joe Biden disembarking from Air Force One at John F. Kennedy airport in New York City on September 17, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
As the public continues to absorb the gravity of Biden’s diagnosis, renewed attention has turned toward his wife, particularly in light of the recent commentary questioning her role and qualifications.
Despite the online backlash triggered by Trump Jr.’s remarks about her doctorate, the former U.S. first lady’s professional background is well-established and deeply rooted in education, not medicine.
She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from the University of Delaware in 2007 and has long dedicated herself to teaching.
When the Bidens relocated to Washington, D.C., during the former president’s vice presidency, she began working at Northern Virginia Community College, where she remains a faculty member to this day.
Though her title has occasionally drawn criticism from political opponents, many view such attacks, especially in the context of her husband’s health, as misguided and unfair.