Former President Joe Biden faces mounting challenges in his post-presidency life, with health struggles, diminished earning potential, and ongoing political controversies overshadowing his transition from the White House. Multiple reports indicate Biden is grappling with serious medical issues while attempting to maintain relevance in Democratic politics.
Biden received a prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, with his office announcing on May 21 that he has an aggressive form of the disease that has spread to his bones. The cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, which represents a highly aggressive presentation. Dr. Gerald Denis, a research professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, indicated that when prostate cancer metastasizes to bone, it is generally considered advanced and incurable, with only about 30 percent survival after five years.
The diagnosis followed Biden spending a Friday in May at a Philadelphia hospital after a small nodule was discovered on his prostate during examination for increasing urinary symptoms. While the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management options, the aggressive nature of the disease presents significant challenges for the 82-year-old former president.
Biden’s post-presidency period has been marked by several security and administrative changes. President Donald Trump cancelled former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service detail in August 2025, seven months after she left office. Trump also ended Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, in March 2025, along with former officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Questions about Biden’s mental acuity during his final months in office continue to generate controversy. Trump has ordered investigations into Biden’s alleged cognitive decline, suggesting his advisers may have used an autopen to sign executive actions without his direct involvement. The current president has claimed that “Biden’s cognitive issues and apparent mental decline during his Presidency were even ‘worse’ in private.”
A White House “Presidential Walk of Fame” now represents Biden with a picture of an autopen signing his name, positioned between Trump’s first- and second-term photos. Biden has defended his autopen usage as legal and rejected allegations of incapacitation, telling The New York Times in July that critics are liars who know their claims are false.
The autopen controversy intensified when reports revealed that Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients gave final approval for multiple high-profile preemptive pardons during Biden’s final day in office on January 19, 2025. Zients approved the use of the autopen for executing pardons for officials, including Fauci and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley at 10:31 p.m. that evening.
Former President Bill Clinton defended Biden’s mental sharpness during a June 5 appearance on ABC’s “The View,” stating that whenever he was around Biden, his mind was clear and his judgment was good. However, Clinton questioned decisions made before the June 2024 CNN debate, asking why Biden was allowed to travel overseas in the days prior to his confrontation with Trump.
Despite his challenges, Biden has expressed interest in returning to political activity. NBC News reported in March 2025 that Biden and his wife Jill offered to support Democratic Party rebuilding efforts during a meeting with Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin. The offer came as polling showed only 27 percent of registered voters view the Democratic Party positively, its lowest approval rating since 1990.
Biden’s post-presidency media presence has been limited, with The National News Desk noting he has one spokesperson handling press inquiries. His rare public appearances have been overshadowed by Trump’s repeated criticism at events, including the United Nations General Assembly debate.
The former president’s health struggles extend beyond his recent cancer diagnosis. He was previously treated for skin cancer two years ago. His current condition has prompted speculation about how his medical situation might affect ongoing political discussions about his mental acuity and decision-making capabilities during his final months in office.
When asked about Biden’s potential return to politics, Trump responded that he hoped Biden would re-enter the political arena. However, questions remain about whether Democratic voters would welcome Biden’s renewed involvement, with some party supporters expressing skepticism about his ability to help rebuild Democratic support.