WASHINGTON, DC — False rumors claiming that former US President Joe Biden has passed away have been spreading across social media, fueled in part by ongoing public interest in his health and his recent battle with prostate cancer.
As with any viral rumor concerning a public figure’s death, these claims have been thoroughly investigated and debunked.
The Origin of the Rumor
The unverified claim gained significant traction on X (formerly Twitter), reportedly reaching over 5 million users and causing widespread confusion.
An account under the username Mayank Bro shared a post reading, “BIG BREAKING 💔 Former US President Joe Biden is no more @grok Confirm this news !!” The user tagged X’s AI chatbot, Grok, demanding verification.
The post elicited a range of responses from the online community. While some users expressed confusion or asked the AI to check the validity of the post, many immediately called it out as fabricated. One user wrote, “Fake news!!!! We would be hearing this all from Fox News or anywhere else. Certainly not a fake account posting fake news for attention.”
The speculation has been compounded by Biden’s relative absence from the public eye since leaving office. Reports indicate that he has made very few political appearances while undergoing treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
Fact Check: False
Joe Biden is alive. There are no official announcements, obituaries, or credible news reports to support the rumor of his death.
The viral post on X included a manipulated, black-and-white image of Biden featuring the fabricated memorial dates “RIP 1942-2026.” This graphic holds no legitimacy and does not serve as credible evidence.
Context on Biden’s Health
Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. He has since undergone rigorous treatments, including hormone therapy and radiation. In September, he shared an update indicating that his radiation therapy had achieved its intended goals, though his family has openly discussed the toll the illness has taken.
While his health struggles are well-documented, none of these reports suggest that he has passed away. Unsubstantiated death rumors regarding Biden have surfaced online multiple times in the past, typically during periods when he has maintained a low public profile.
The current viral posts and associated images are entirely false and should be disregarded as misinformation.