Donald Trump Jr. has faced backlash for a ‘vile’ remark made after Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis was made public.
Following the announcement of Biden’s health condition, the president’s eldest son, known as Don Jr, found himself in controversy for an apparently insensitive comment.
On Sunday, May 18, Biden’s office confirmed that the 82-year-old former president was diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of nine (Grade Group 5), indicating that it had spread to his bones.
Most people, including President Donald Trump, have extended their well-wishes to Biden.
However, Don Jr seemed to take a different approach, using the situation to seemingly criticize Biden’s wife, Jill.
He posted: “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???”
The 47-year-old, who is a trustee and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also supported a comment that claimed Biden was ‘running the country as a vegetable under the rug,’ agreeing ‘without question.’
His comment has been denounced by many as ‘vile’ and ‘pure filth.’
“Mocking a man’s cancer and blaming his wife, who’s not even a medical doctor, shows just how low and shallow he is. ‘Stage five’? It’s Grade Group 5, bonehead,” another comment read. “This isn’t politics. It’s cruelty. Ugly, dumb, and vile. Nothing else to call it.”
Several pointed out that Jill Biden has a PhD in education and is not a medical doctor, with one person joking: “But you don’t have to be a medical doctor to diagnose Donald Trump Jr. terminally stupid and a vile human being.”
Another person accused Don Jr of ‘shameless opportunism dressed up as patriotism.’
“You are slime. Absolute slime,” another remarked.
Democrat campaigner, Harry Sisson, added: “Donald Trump Jr. just made fun of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis. This is where we’re at in American politics. Trump Jr. is a pathetic, reprehensible conman who wouldn’t know decency if it smacked him in the face. Shame on him.”
This controversial statement comes shortly after Don Jr had shared an image stating: “BREAKING: Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!”
The father-of-five added with the caption: “Agreed 100 percent.”
Concerns over Biden’s health had been a significant issue among voters during the campaign trail last year.
During a 90-minute debate against Trump, his performance prompted concerns, leading the then White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to issue a statement denying that Biden was suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The 46th president of the US subsequently withdrew from the campaign, passing the baton to former vice-president Kamala Harris, who was ultimately defeated by Trump.
Biden’s prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of Grade 5, is the most aggressive. However, his representatives stated that medics have determined it is ‘hormone-sensitive,’ which allows for ‘effective management’ of the condition.
Don Jr’s comments come as the 44th POTUS, Barack Obama, posted a heartfelt message on Twitter: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.”
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.
“We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
President Trump also conveyed his support, stating: “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.”