Jill Biden Says Joe Biden Could Not Have Served Second Term After Cancer Diagnosis

Former First Lady Jill Biden said she no longer believes Joe Biden could have served a second presidential term after his stage IV prostate cancer diagnosis.

Speaking on The View on Tuesday, Jill Biden said the cancer diagnosis in May 2025 was “shocking” and has changed their lives. She said the disease has spread to his bones but that the former president remains active, traveling to Washington, speaking at Democratic events, and working on writing projects.

Biden praised his medical team and urged men to pay attention to their health, noting that prostate cancer was not detected earlier because screening guidelines generally do not recommend routine testing after age 70.

Addressing concerns about Joe Biden’s age and health during the 2024 presidential campaign, Jill Biden said no doctors or aides warned her that he was experiencing significant cognitive decline. She recalled being alarmed by his poor debate performance against Donald Trump, fearing he might be having a stroke, but said doctors later cleared him and he completed additional events that day.

She also revealed that after the debate, Joe Biden acknowledged his performance, telling her he had “messed up.” He later withdrew from the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.