Joe Biden has appeared in a new public photo looking upbeat and well, with his beaming smile prompting widespread comparisons to current President Donald Trump — who is battling a growing number of apparent health issues.
The 82-year-old former president was photographed smiling confidently this week, even as he continues treatment following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Biden revealed the news publicly in May, stating, “Cancer touches us all,” and thanking the public for their support.
“I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” he added, speaking on behalf of both himself and his wife, Jill.
In contrast, speculation around Trump’s health has intensified following a noticeable absence from public life. The 79-year-old resurfaced on the golf course after days of speculation, but photos of him taken during the outing have only fuelled fresh concern.
Online observers were quick to weigh in. One social media user, @chrisdjackson, posted a side-by-side image of the two rivals, writing, “Joe Biden vs Donald Trump today. Speaks for itself, doesn’t it? When’s the media going to wake up about Trump’s failing health and give it even half the coverage they obsessed over with Biden?”
The comparison comes as Trump continues to display a series of visible ailments, including a swollen hand, apparent mobility issues, and now a medical diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a condition that affects circulation in the legs, causing blood to pool and leading to swelling, bruising, and pain.
Although CVI isn’t typically life-threatening, it can severely impact a person’s comfort and ability to remain active — both key issues in the lead-up to the 2026 election cycle.
In one of the most alarming reports yet, it was suggested that a medical professional warned Trump that his leg could potentially face amputation due to worsening symptoms. This warning has not been independently confirmed but has circulated widely online and in some media coverage.
Trump’s recent public appearances have been marked by speculation over not just physical ailments but also his cognitive sharpness. His brief disappearance from the public eye earlier this month led to a wave of online conspiracy theories, including suggestions about a possible body double and unverified rumours regarding a health emergency at the White House.
Despite the speculation, Trump has not issued any formal statement addressing his health, nor have his representatives clarified the nature or severity of his recent issues.
Meanwhile, Biden continues to stay active despite his own health concerns. Alongside managing his cancer treatment, he is currently working on a new book reflecting on his time in the White House, according to sources close to the former president.
The spotlight on presidential health is likely to intensify as the campaign season begins to take shape, with voters increasingly focused on the age and fitness of those vying for leadership.
The latest viral comparisons between Biden and Trump reflect not only political rivalry but a growing public concern over transparency and well-being at the highest levels of power.