Barack and Michelle Obama respond to news of Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis

Barack Obama extended his sympathies to Joe Biden after learning about his distressing prostate cancer diagnosis, even though he and Michelle played a role in preventing him from becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.

The former president joined a chorus of politicians across both sides of the divide to offer support to the 82-year-old.  

‘Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family,’ Obama wrote on X. 

‘Joe has been a leading figure in the search for innovative cancer treatments across all types of the disease. I believe he will confront this obstacle with his characteristic determination and dignity. Our thoughts are with him for a speedy and complete recovery.’

Michelle later shared his message but refrained from adding any personal comments or words of encouragement, fueling ongoing speculations about tension between her and Biden.

After Biden’s disastrous debate against Trump in June 2024, rumors began to swirl that Obama had lost confidence in his ability to win a second term and began quietly supporting efforts to find a suitable replacement.

Biden reportedly privately told friends and family he felt ‘a deep sense of betrayal’ that Obama failed to back him, despite their close relationship which blossomed when he served as Vice President for eight years. 

On Sunday, a spokesperson for Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer.

The former Democrat president joined a chorus of politicians across both sides of the divide to offer support to the 82-year-old

After Biden’s disastrous debate against Trump in June 2024, rumors began to swirl that Obama had lost confidence in his ability to win a second term and began quietly supporting efforts to find a suitable replacement

The cancer has since metastasized and spread to his bones.

Obama’s reference to Biden’s fight to solve cancer relates to his work in the Obama administration. 

Biden reignited his Cancer Moonshot initiative in 2022 – he was put in charge of the effort at first when he was serving as Barack Obama’s vice president.

The initiative sought to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047 and improve the lives of those living with cancer.

Helping to rid the world of cancer was a personal mission which hit close to home for Biden.

Biden’s son Beau died at the age of 46 in 2025 after he was diagnosed in 2013 with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. His father claimed the cancer was a consequence of his Beau’s exposure to military burn pits when he was serving in Iraq.

Back in August at the Democratic National Convention, Obama lauded his former Vice President with praise, referring to him as his ‘brother’ and thanking him for his service.

But during Michelle’s rousing 23-minute speech, she notably did not name Biden a single time.

His post was then shared by wife Michelle, but she did not add any additional words or messages of support, amid longstanding rumors of a feud between she and Biden

Back in August at the Democratic National Convention, Obama lauded his former Vice President with praise, referring to him as his ‘brother’ and thanking him for his service

Biden reportedly privately told friends and family he felt ‘a deep sense of betrayal’ that Obama failed to back him, despite their close relationship which blossomed when he served as Vice President for eight years 

Insiders said at the time it was a snub, adding that the former First Lady allegedly refused to speak at the convention while Biden was still in the 2024 race.

Michelle is said to remain angry with the Bidens over their treatment of her close friend Kathleen Buhle, Hunter Biden’s ex-wife.

Buhle has been exiled by the family during a lengthy separation from Hunter dating back to 2017.

Michelle never campaigned for Biden when he was the nominee and, sources say, only confirmed her DNC speaking slot after he was out the way.

Obama’s statement comes hours after Kamala Harris released a lackluster response to the diagnosis in a weak attempt to mend fences with her old boss.

Despite the former Vice President’s close relationship with Biden while serving as his second-in-command – her response appeared less emotional than arch-rival President Trump, and even GOP firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene. 

‘Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis,’ she wrote.

‘We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. 

Kamala Harris has offered her condolences to former President Joe Biden after his devastating cancer diagnosis – in a public sign she wants to mend their relationship

‘Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.’ 

A statement from Biden’s office claims that the form of cancer he has appears to be hormone sensitive and might be effectively managed by various treatments. 

Harris and her husband, Doug, shared coordinated messages of support on X, with Doug moments later sharing a picture of he and Biden, captioned: ‘Sending love and strength to my friend, Joe Biden.’

Harris and Biden’s alleged feud has been brewing since Joe Biden was forced to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race – and was replaced by his deputy.

He did so on July 21 – endorsing Harris a few hours later. 

But after her resounding loss to Trump just months later, there were rumors the president began giving Harris the cold shoulder.

The former Vice President’s relationship with the Bidens has been under the spotlight since he was forced to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race and replaced by his deputy

On Sunday night, she issued a heartfelt message of support to her one-time ally, in an apparent effort to publicly bury the hatchet on Elon Musk ‘s social media platform X 

Some officials told the Daily Mail at the time he genuinely believed Harris could beat Trump and struggled to understand how she blew the race – and a billion dollars in campaign contributions – so spectacularly.

But other insiders said he was quietly seething that he was forced to bow out at all, and had expressed that he thought he would have won the race.

Trump beat Harris both in the popular vote and the electoral college. 

Some in the Democratic Party blamed Biden himself – arguing he should have dropped out of the race far sooner than he did, and that more time would have benefited Harris’s campaign.

‘It’s almost Shakespearean that Biden didn’t just kill his own campaign, he killed hers, too,’ a Harris campaign adviser rather dramatically told the Washington Post.

Harris’ decision to post her message to Biden on X has added further fuel to the flames, raising questions about whether she called him directly as well.

‘Are you even serious? You stabbed this man in the back and then threw him to the wolves,’ one critic said.

‘Such public displays of empathy… a performance for the masses. It is as if genuine concern is a rare commodity that must be theatrically displayed. Perhaps true compassion starts where the cameras end.’

Sources claim Dr. Biden has long disliked Harris , dating back to her ravaging Biden on the debate stage in June 2019 – during the first Democratic debate of the 2020 cycle

Donald Trump wished Biden all the best in a moving post on Sunday night

Some of Biden’s biggest critics and MAGA loyalists have also issued heartfelt statements, led by Marjorie Taylor Greene and President Trump himself.

‘I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family,’ Greene wrote.

Trump took to TruthSocial to share his tribute, writing: ‘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.

Biden left office as the oldest serving president in US history – he was also elected as the oldest ever person to hold the highest office.

The Trump family were often highly critical of Biden’s cognitive decline.

President Trump, 78, often referred to Biden as ‘sleepy Joe’ as he slammed his light schedule as he claimed the White House was being run by his ‘handlers.’