The biggest story behind what happened to Joe Biden is his recent health crisis. On May 16, 2025, Biden, now 82, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to his office in statements to NPR and BBC. Doctors found a prostate nodule after he reported urinary symptoms, and tests confirmed a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, signaling a serious condition. Dr. William Dahut from the American Cancer Society told BBC the cancer is incurable at this stage, though treatment could extend Biden’s life. Public figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shared support on X, with Harris calling Biden a “fighter.” This diagnosis, coming after Biden’s decades-long push for cancer research, hits close to home for many.
| Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Condition | Prostate cancer, metastasized |
| Gleason Score | 9/10, highly aggressive |
| Public Support | Trump, Harris via X posts |
What Happened to Joe Biden’s Public Presence?
Another angle on what happened to Joe Biden focuses on his public life since leaving office. Biden has stayed mostly out of the spotlight, with only a few appearances in 2025. A BBC report notes a May 2025 interview where he reflected on his 2024 campaign exit, calling it “tough but necessary.” However, a new book, Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, released May 14, 2025, paints a stark picture. It claims Biden’s aides shielded him in 2023–2024, citing moments like a meeting where he seemed “disoriented” and discussions about wheelchair use. X posts from May 8 highlight a shaky The View appearance where Jill Biden stepped in as he struggled with questions. Despite this, Biden’s team insists he handled critical duties well.
The Human Side of Biden’s Story
The question what happened to Joe Biden isn’t just about facts—it’s about feelings too. His cancer news has softened even some critics, with X posts showing a mix of empathy and prayers. Yet, Democrats remain divided, with some, like strategist Sawyer Hackett, arguing Biden’s late 2024 withdrawal hurt the party’s chances, per ABC News. Others defend his legacy, pointing to achievements like infrastructure reform. Biden’s story feels like a rollercoaster: a man who fought for decades, now facing a personal battle under public scrutiny. It’s a reminder that behind the headlines is a human story, one that keeps us wondering what’s next for him.
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