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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
