Donald Trump, GOP respond to Biden dropping out of race
Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential nominee, responded Sunday to President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid.
Biden, 81, announced his exit from the presidential race Sunday in a letter posted to social media. His decision follows a lackluster debate performance that kicked off a growing number of calls from fellow Democrats to withdraw. They questioned his fitness for office and his ability to beat Trump in what would have been a November rematch.
"It's been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in the letter. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
Trump responded to the news in a post on his own Truth social media site.
Former President Donald Trump responds to Bidens exit from 2024 race (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t - And now, look what he’s done to our Country," the statement from Trump read, in part.
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Trump's running mate JD Vance said Biden "has been the worst President in my lifetime" and told whoever was at the top of the Democratic ticket to "bring it on."
Other GOP leaders, meanwhile, called for Biden to resign the presidency altogether now.
"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.
"If the Democratic party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for reelection, he’s certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately," tweeted Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.
Praise from Democrats, meanwhile, poured in for Biden, with several leaders expressing support.
"President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans," California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted. "He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents."
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"Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history," Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg posted. "I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.