On Tuesday, Jill Biden candidly discussed the challenges her husband, Joe Biden, is facing as he navigates cancer treatment. She acknowledged the possibility that, had he been re-elected in 2024, completing a second term might have been difficult due to his health struggles.
Joe Biden, diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer in May 2025 after leaving the presidential office, has been undergoing treatment. The cancer, having spread to his bones, prompted a course of radiation therapy, which concluded in October.
During an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” where she was promoting her memoir, “View from the East Wing,” Jill Biden opened up about her husband’s condition. “Cancer is really tough,” she remarked, highlighting the physical toll it has taken on him. “I would say he’s doing OK. But cancer takes its toll. He gets tired a little more often, but I don’t know, it’s been, it’s been tough.”
Reflecting on the timing of his diagnosis, Jill Biden expressed her surprise that it wasn’t detected earlier, despite having access to excellent healthcare during their time at the White House. “We did have amazing health care in the White House, but somehow this was missed,” she noted.
She also acknowledged the medical guidelines that had been followed, which often advise against prostate cancer screenings for men over 70, providing some context to the late diagnosis.
The former first lady conceded that doctors followed recommended guidelines that discourage prostate cancer screenings in men over the age of 70.
When asked if Joe Biden could have served until January 2029, Jill Biden responded: “I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that.”

Biden also expressed confidence that her husband would have beaten Donald Trump in the 2024 election if he had stayed in the race.
“I believe he would have beat Donald Trump in that election.”
The former first lady otherwise declined to discuss the current president during the wide-ranging interview.