Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska has announced he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a condition he described as carrying a “death sentence.” In a statement released on December 23, 2025, Sasse confirmed he had been vaccinated and boosted multiple times throughout his public service.
Sasse identified himself as one of the most prominent anti-Trump figures in Congress, having consistently opposed Donald Trump’s policies and leadership while serving in the Senate until 2023. He later became president of the University of Florida—a role he resigned from in 2024.
The senator wrote that advanced pancreatic cancer “is nasty stuff,” but emphasized his family’s resilience: “I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do.” Sasse, who has publicly highlighted his faith and familial bonds, stated he would be pursuing treatments while navigating this health crisis.