Joshua Nair
President Donald Trump has spoken out about his predecessor Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis for the first time.
The 78-year-old both preceded and succeeded Biden as the president of the US, with the pair known for their fierce rivalry.
Republican Trump and Democrat Biden had a number of memorable moments throughout their presidential campaigns over the course of the last year, with the former even coining the nickname 'Sleepy Joe' for his opponent.
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However, following Biden's cancer announcement yesterday (18 May), it looks like Trump has put their differences to one side and made an emotional statement on social media about his former rival.
He stated that he was 'saddened to hear' about the diagnosis, writing a message of support on Truth Social.
Trump wrote: "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."
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The president's move to put their political differences to bed came following a statement from Biden's camp, who announced the 82-year-old's cancer diagnosis yesterday (18 May).
"Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," they wrote.
The statement added: "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, also wrote on Instagram: "Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery."
The health news came just a week after reports revealed that a 'small nodule' was found on Biden's prostate, needing further evaluation.
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Prostate cancer diagnoses are usually given a 'Gleason score' to indicate its severity, and Biden's score of nine reveals that his case is more aggressive than most.
This news comes almost a year after the former president dropped out of his election campaign following worries about his health and age.
Back in February 2023, Biden had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest, which was found to be basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.