Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) suggested that former First Lady Jill Biden should potentially face criminal charges for elder abuse following the revelation of her husband’s serious cancer diagnosis.
The former president’s office announced Sunday that Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. With a Gleason Score of nine, the cancer is considered highly likely to spread.
The diagnosis has sparked widespread debate, with several urology experts questioning how such a serious condition went undetected despite Biden’s regular medical evaluations. Dr. David Shusterman, a board-certified urological surgeon and medical educator, speculated that Biden may have been living with the cancer for several years.
Shusterman recalled his experience working in VA hospitals, stating that Biden’s diagnosis is consistent any patient who “hasn’t had medical attention in 10 years, presents to an emergency room with bone pain, and then they find that it’s metastatic prostate cancer.”
Miller, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, suggested Thursday that Jill Biden should face criminal charges for allegedly helping to conceal her husband’s cognitive and physical decline during his time in office. “Jill Biden was complicit in covering up Joe Biden’s mental and physical decline,” the congresswoman wrote in an X post. “She should face CRIMINAL CHARGES for elder abuse!!”
In recent days, several medical professionals and political commentators have voiced support for Rep. Miller’s assessment. Geriatric specialist Dr. Elaine Healy argued in a New York Post opinion piece earlier this week that former President Joe Biden is exhibiting “telltale signs of elder abuse.”
Healy identified the former first lady, former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor, and former Biden Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients as potential individuals responsible for the alleged abuse. “Visible bruising and other injuries from physical violence are obvious forms of abuse. Non-violent actions — like deprivation of food, causing weight loss, or intimidation, causing social withdrawal and personality changes — are also defined as abusive behavior,” Healy wrote.
“A more sinister type of elder abuse, however, involves the exploitation of an elderly individual for the abuser’s financial, personal or — in this case — political gain,” Healy continued, noting a post-debate moment when Jill could be seen physically guiding Joe off the stage.
“What was behind her insistence that he run for office when she, above all others, had to be aware of his failing cognitive capacities and declining physical health?” Healy continued. “Is she a loving spouse or a master manipulator, using his dependency on her to control his decision-making? If the latter, she is engaged in elder abuse.”