Vice President JD Vance is facing backlash after his reaction to former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, announced May 18. While leaders across the political spectrum—including President Trump—offered support, Vance’s comments were widely criticized as inappropriate and opportunistic.

Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with aggressive, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. Despite the severity, his team says it’s manageable with treatment. Trump issued a rare gesture of goodwill, expressing sympathy and wishing Biden a speedy recovery. In contrast, Vance used the moment to question Biden’s past fitness for office and criticized the transparency of his administration regarding health issues.

“We can pray for good health,” Vance said, “but also recognize that, if you’re not in good enough health to do the job, you shouldn’t be doing the job.”

His remarks drew swift condemnation online and from political figures, with many accusing him of politicizing a personal crisis. Critics called the comments “tone-deaf” and “disrespectful,” especially in contrast to Trump’s more measured response.

Biden’s team has not responded to Vance’s statements, choosing to focus on his treatment and recovery. Meanwhile, calls for greater compassion and civility in politics have intensified in the wake of the controversy.