US President Donald Trump on Monday sparked speculation that Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis may have been covered up, stating he was “surprised” the public hadn’t been informed sooner about his predecessor’s condition.

Trump’s remarks came just a day after reports revealed that Joe Biden, 82, had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

“I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about Biden’s diagnosis.

“It takes a long time to get to that situation, to get to a stage nine,” Trump added, apparently referencing Biden’s Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), as announced by his office.

“If you take a look, it’s the same doctor that said Joe was cognitively fine. Things are going on that the public wasn’t informed of,” Trump said.

Trump noted that during his own recent physical, doctors conducted a PSA test, which can detect some prostate cancers, and said it is “standard for pretty much anybody.”

Joe Biden posted a photo on X with his wife, Jill Biden, writing: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

Prostate cancers are assessed using the Gleason scoring system, which measures tumor aggressiveness on a scale from 6 to 10. A score of 8 to 10 indicates a highly aggressive cancer. Biden’s office confirmed a score of 9, suggesting a serious and fast-moving form of the disease.

When prostate cancer spreads, it often metastasizes to the bones. Such advanced cases are more difficult to treat, as drugs may not reach all affected areas.

Biden’s health had been a recurring concern for voters during his presidency. Biden dropped out of the race after a widely criticized debate performance in June while seeking re-election. Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee and ultimately lost to Trump, who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.