Physicians for former President Joe Biden have identified a potentially concerning medical issue during a recent physical exam, his team confirmed Tuesday.
According to a spokesperson, a “small nodule” was detected on the 82-year-old’s prostate, prompting further medical evaluation.
“In a routine physical exam, a small nodule was found in the prostate which necessitated further evaluation,” the source told ABC News. No additional details about the findings or follow-up diagnosis were disclosed, according to The New York Times.
Prostate issues are common among men in their 80s, including Biden, who stepped down from the presidency in January after completing his second term as the oldest commander-in-chief in U.S. history.
Throughout his presidency, questions surrounding Biden’s health persisted, often complicating his reelection prospects. These concerns repeatedly forced his communications team into damage control mode, especially as they attempted to steer public focus toward post-pandemic economic recovery. The campaign ultimately collapsed following a widely criticized debate performance that highlighted signs of cognitive and physical decline, prompting Biden to withdraw from the race.
The health scare comes as CNN anchor Jake Tapper is set to release a bombshell book detailing internal White House tensions. Leaked excerpts suggest Biden’s decision to remain in the race for as long as he did severely undercut the Democratic Party’s ability to regroup. According to reports, David Plouffe—one of the masterminds behind Barack Obama’s 2008 victory—told associates that Biden “totally f***ed us” by delaying his exit, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris with just 107 days to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Tapper’s book also claims that some White House aides, alarmed by Biden’s physical decline, even considered the possibility of using a wheelchair to navigate the Oval Office had he won a second term.
In February 2024, months before Biden exited the race, his physician declared him “fit to serve” following a full examination. Even after Biden dropped out, Dr. Kevin O’Connor told the New York Post in July that the former president remained in “excellent” health at the time.
Allegations of a medical cover-up are a central theme in Tapper’s forthcoming book, Original Sin, co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson. A Biden spokesperson has denied any suggestion that information was deliberately concealed.
Additionally, it was reported last week that Biden hired a new communications advisor to manage his post-presidency image and counter growing criticism from within the Democratic Party. Some critics argue that Biden hamstrung Harris by limiting her policy independence, requiring her to strictly align her campaign with his positions despite his declining popularity.
“Yes, there were physical changes as he aged, but aging alone does not equate to cognitive impairment,” the spokesperson added.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Biden has made attempts to publicly defend his legacy. In a recent appearance on ABC’s The View, the former president appeared to struggle with his speech, prompting First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to step in and finish his remarks.
