Biden scales back book tour as cancer slows him down

In May 2025, former US President Joe Biden disclosed that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, four months after leaving the White House. The 83-year-old Democrat, who faced significant health concerns during his presidency, announced on X that he would scale back promotions for his upcoming memoir, "Promise Me, America," which was set to release on November 17.

Biden acknowledged that his illness sometimes made it difficult for him to participate in as many public appearances as he had initially planned. Despite these challenges, he expressed hope that the book's content would speak for itself. The official announcement came four months after Biden's diagnosis of the aggressive prostate cancer, which his son Hunter said had further progressed and caused considerable pain by August.

Biden's treatment, including radiation and hormone therapy, received positive feedback from his doctors. The memoir, which detailed his four years in office, covered various topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine, and his surprise decision to run for re-election in 2024 before ultimately withdrawing.

In an excerpt from The Atlantic, Biden criticized his successor, Donald Trump, over the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol. He emphasized that Trump's actions should never be forgotten and should follow him to his grave. Additionally, Biden recalled a friendly meeting with Trump in the Oval Office after Trump's 2024 election win, during which the Republican suggested they might have been friends outside of politics.

This unexpected encounter came shortly after Biden decided to abandon his re-election campaign in July 2024 due to a contentious debate with Trump, raising concerns about his age and fitness for office. His vice-president, Kamala Harris, subsequently lost the election, allowing Trump to return to the White House. Biden stated that his book would offer insights into the decisions he made while in office and reflect his faith in American democracy.