Key Takeaways
- Ben Sasse, former US Senator from Nebraska, has been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer
- Sasse announced his diagnosis on social media, calling it a "death sentence"
- He was one of seven Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump in 2021
- Sasse has stated that he will not give up without a fight and will have more to say about his diagnosis
- He served as President of the University of Florida after leaving the Senate, but left the job due to his wife’s health needs
Introduction to Ben Sasse’s Diagnosis
Ben Sasse, the former US Senator from Nebraska, has recently announced that he has been diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer. In a lengthy social media post, Sasse revealed the news, stating that his diagnosis is a "death sentence". The 53-year-old senator, who represented Nebraska from 2015 to 2023, has been open about his diagnosis, saying that he will not give up without a fight. Sasse, who is a Christian, made the announcement during the advent season, a time when he reflects on the hope of what’s to come.
Background on Ben Sasse’s Career
During his time in the Senate, Sasse was known for being critical of President Donald Trump, but also sided with him on key policies. One of the most notable moments of his career was when he voted to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection in his second impeachment trial in 2021. Sasse was one of seven Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, stating that a weak and timid Congress would increasingly submit to an emboldened and empowered presidency. He believed that the institution needed to respect itself enough to tell the executive that some lines cannot be crossed. Sasse’s vote was significant, as it would have blocked Trump from returning to the White House if he had been convicted.
Life After the Senate
After leaving the Senate, Sasse served as the President of the University of Florida. However, he left the job in July 2024, citing the health needs of his wife, who had recently had a stroke. Later, a review conducted by the Florida Auditor General found that Sasse had inappropriately spent funds from the university. Sasse has denied any wrongdoing, stating that his spending was not inappropriate. Despite the controversy, Sasse’s diagnosis has brought attention to his personal life, including his family and his Christian faith. He has three children with his wife, and has spoken about the importance of his faith during this difficult time.
Reflections on Mortality and Hope
In his social media post, Sasse reflected on the nature of mortality, stating that everyone has a "death sentence" and that his diagnosis is not unique. He wrote that as a Christian, the weeks running up to Christmas are a time to orient our hearts toward the hope of what’s to come. Sasse’s announcement has sparked a conversation about the importance of living in the present and finding hope in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he is facing, Sasse has stated that he will not give up without a fight, and will have more to say about his diagnosis in the coming days.
Legacy and Impact
Ben Sasse’s diagnosis has brought attention to his legacy and impact as a senator and public figure. His vote to impeach Trump was a significant moment in his career, and one that has had lasting implications for American politics. Sasse’s commitment to his faith and his family has also been a defining characteristic of his public life. As he faces this new challenge, Sasse’s courage and resilience have inspired many, and his announcement has sparked a conversation about the importance of living with hope and purpose. Despite the difficulties he is facing, Sasse remains a prominent figure in American politics, and his diagnosis has brought attention to the importance of living in the present and finding hope in the face of adversity.
