President Donald Trump weighed in Monday on former President Joe Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis, expressing concern over the delay in informing the public and stressing the need for transparency and cognitive fitness among national leaders.

Speaking during a White House press conference, President Trump said he was surprised to learn how advanced Biden’s illness had become. “I was shocked this wasn’t made public earlier,” Trump said to the reporters. “It takes a long time to reach that stage. People should have known about this a while ago.”

Joe & Jill Biden with their cat, Photo Credit: joebiden/Instagram

The comment raised eyebrows when Trump mentioned “stage 9,” a term that doesn’t exist in standard cancer staging, which typically ranges from stage 1 to stage 4. Despite that, Trump emphasized that he was sympathetic to Biden’s condition. “It’s very sad, and I wish him the best,” Trump said, before pivoting to highlight his own recent health report.

“I just completed a full physical, including a cognitive assessment,” the President said. “I’m proud to say I passed everything with flying colors. Got every answer right. If I hadn’t, you know the media would’ve had a field day.”

Donald Trump in a press conference commenting on Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, Photo Credit: CALL TO ACTIVISM/X

President Trump then doubled down on a position he has long held—that anyone running for or holding the office of president should be required to take a cognitive test. “It’s common sense,” he said. “If you’re going to make decisions for the American people, you should be mentally fit to do so.”

Joe Biden, now a private citizen after stepping away from a second presidential run, just announced that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His doctors confirmed that the cancer has metastasized to the bone and is marked by a Gleason score of 9, indicating one of the most serious forms of the disease.

Joe & Jill Biden watching TV, Photo Credit: jobiden/Instagram

In a public statement, Biden acknowledged the severity of his condition but noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which could make it more manageable through treatment. “My family and I are working closely with my doctors to determine the best course of action,” Biden said.

Despite political differences, many across the aisle have expressed support for the former president. Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain—who died from brain cancer—shared her thoughts on social media: “Cancer is brutal. It challenges every family that faces it. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bidens right now. Some things are bigger than politics.”

Donald Trump in a press conference commenting on Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, Photo Credit: CALL TO ACTIVISM/X

While President Trump’s comments sparked both criticism and praise, they underscored a recurring theme of his administration: a push for transparency, accountability, and mental sharpness at the highest levels of leadership.