Vice President JD Vance recently commented on former President Joe Biden’s health during his first press briefing following the resignation of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The briefing on 3 September focused on the plans surrounding the 25th anniversary memorial of the 9/11 attacks, highlighting Vance’s upcoming appearance in New York City.
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Vance, who is aged 42, shared details about the event, revealing his decision to attend the memorial service while President Donald Trump remains in Washington, D.C. to honour the tragedy at the Pentagon. Addressing the logistical arrangements, Vance stated, “You have a vice president, you have a president, and we’d like to be in three or four places on 9/11, but you can’t have one person be in multiple locations at the exact same time.” He added that the team decided it was best for him to go to New York for the commemoration.
In a controversial twist, Vance made light of Biden’s age and mental acuity, stating, “I’m really looking forward to hang out with Joe Biden. I’m sure that we’ll have many, many intense intellectual conversations.” His remarks imply a questioning of Biden’s abilities to engage meaningfully in discussions, drawing attention to the ongoing public debate about the former president’s health.
Biden, now 83 years old, announced in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Following this announcement, Vance commented on the implications of the diagnosis, suggesting that it raised questions about Biden’s capability to effectively serve a second term. “I don’t think he was able to do a good job for the American people,” Vance remarked, while still expressing hope for Biden’s recovery.
As Biden underwent treatment, the public remained concerned about his health. In October 2025, he celebrated the end of his radiation therapy with a bell-ringing ceremony, signifying a hopeful milestone. However, speculation continued to swirl about the severity of his condition, especially after the former first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, indicated that the cancer had metastasised to his bones.
Jill Biden further elaborated during a June interview on the Today show, stating, “I think Joe will live with cancer for the rest of his life.” Her comments provide a glimpse into the family’s perspective on Biden’s ongoing battle with the illness, portraying both a sense of optimism and a sobering acknowledgment of the situation.
In his briefing, Vance continued to express doubts about serving under Biden, raising concerns about the unpredictable nature of the president’s health. “But if I served under Joe Biden, I’d probably be worried every minute of every day that he was going to croak and that I’d have to become president,” he quipped during a conversation with broadcaster Sean Hannity.
The presence of former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush at the New York commemoration underscores the magnitude of the event, as the nation collectively remembers the impact of the tragic day in 2001. With multiple dignitaries in attendance, the memorial is anticipated to be a significant occasion, focusing on remembrance and resilience.
Vance’s recent remarks have ignited discussions around the health of prominent political figures and the potential implications for governance and leadership in the current political climate. As the nation prepares for the 9/11 memorial, the dialogue between administration officials and the former president continues to reflect broader concerns regarding age, health, and the responsibilities of leadership.
Amid these developments, the forthcoming memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the events of 9/11, while also eliciting reflections on the current dynamics within the political sphere. The intersection of health and leadership remains a critical topic as officials navigate their roles and responsibilities in a rapidly shifting environment.