Biden Connects Son’s Burn Pit Illness to 9/11 First Responders
In a heartfelt campaign speech in Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden drew a powerful link between his late son Beau Biden’s military service and the health crises faced by 9/11 first responders. He also criticized former President Donald Trump for reducing funding for cancer research—a key priority for the Biden family.
Beau Biden’s Burn Pit Exposure and Cancer Battle
Beau Biden, a former Delaware Attorney General and Army National Guard officer, served in Iraq in 2008-2009, where he was exposed to toxic burn pits—open-air waste incineration sites linked to severe illnesses.
“My son lived in a burn pit just like the guys did on 9/11,” Biden said emotionally. “He came home with stage 4 glioblastoma, just like so many first responders who breathed in poison at Ground Zero.”
Beau died in 2015 at 46 after battling brain cancer. Research increasingly supports connections between burn pits and cancers, prompting Biden to champion the PACT Act (2022), expanding healthcare for affected veterans.
Biden Accuses Trump of Undermining Cancer Research
Shifting focus, Biden blamed Trump’s administration for cutting cancer research funding, stating:
“When I took office, I reignited the Cancer Moonshot because we lost years to neglect. The last administration slashed NIH and EPA budgets, hurting families like mine.”
While Congress blocked some cuts, advocates say funding instability delayed critical research. Biden has since secured $2.8 billion for the Cancer Moonshot, aiming to halve cancer deaths in 25 years.
Political Backlash and Veterans’ Support
Trump’s campaign dismissed Biden’s remarks as “politicizing tragedy,” but veterans’ advocates praised his stance.
“This is about saving lives, not politics,” said John Feal, a 9/11 first responder. “Biden’s actions—unlike past leaders—actually help burn pit victims.”
Election Impact: Veterans and Healthcare Policy
With veterans as a key voting bloc, Biden’s focus on burn pit illnesses and healthcare could sway swing states. Trump, meanwhile, faces scrutiny over past remarks disparaging military members, adding to the stark policy contrast.
Conclusion: A Personal and National Mission
For Biden, the fight is both personal and policy-driven: “We owe our heroes—in uniform or at Ground Zero—the same courage they showed us.” As 2024 looms, veterans’ health and cancer research will remain pivotal issues.
