Just a day after former President Joe Biden shared that he is battling an advanced form of prostate cancer, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made statements that many found to be somewhat lacking in empathy.
During a press briefing, Peter Doocy from Fox News asked President Donald Trump about his views on the medical care provided to US presidents, given Biden’s recent severe diagnosis.
“There’s a possibility that the White House medical team could have overlooked the early stages of his prostate cancer,” Doocy mentioned to the reporters. “Is President Trump at all concerned about how well presidents are cared for medically here?”
Leavitt, only 27 years old, was quick to dismiss these worries. “Not in the case of President Trump,” she clarified.
“Our White House physician is outstanding,” she continued. “And the staff at Walter Reed Medical Center is top-notch.”
She proceeded to discuss President Trump’s latest physical examination results. “He’s in peak condition with exemplary results. Those who accompanied us to the Middle East last week saw firsthand the president’s stamina.”
Leavitt further stated that Trump was back at work in the Oval Office the entire day Saturday following their return. “He’s tireless and in excellent health, confident in his doctors.”
Although her comments aimed to ease concerns about Trump’s health, they were perceived as somewhat insensitive considering Biden’s serious condition.
“She came across as insensitive and mean-spirited,” one viewer commented. Another remarked that during the journey Leavitt referred to, Trump appeared to nod off several times.
The controversy arose following Biden’s announcement of his diagnosis with a high-grade form of prostate cancer. As per a statement from his camp, he had undergone tests due to urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. Further examinations indicated that the cancer had metastasized to his bones.
“This marks a more aggressive variant of the illness,” the statement read. Nevertheless, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, suggesting potential positive responses to treatment.
Biden’s cancer carries a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), which is among the highest scores, indicating particularly abnormal and fast-growing cancer cells.
While the specific stage of the cancer has not been disclosed, the spread implies it is considerably advanced.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment possibilities, potentially involving hormone therapy. The former president is presently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and has not disclosed where he will be treated.
Despite the challenging diagnosis, some healthcare experts have expressed optimism.
