Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. In a development that sends the contest into uncharted territory, the US president announced he will no longer be seeking a second term.
He has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris, urging Democrats to donate to her campaign as he pulled out.
In a letter addressed to “my fellow Americans”, Mr Biden said it had been the “greatest honour of my life to serve as your president”.
“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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,” he said.
He endorsed Ms Harris as the Democratic nominee and, referring to his Republican rival, he added: “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump.”
Mr Biden made the announcement in a statement posted on X, in which he said he would address the nation later this week to provide “detail” about his decision.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected,” he said.
“I want to thank vice president Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
First Lady Jill Biden, whose loyalty to her husband has been unswerving, responded by sharing his statement on X with a simple heart emoji.
Ms Harris, who many are touting as the frontrunner to replace Mr Biden, said she was “honoured” to have the president’s endorsement, adding “my intention is to earn and win this nomination”.
She thanked Mr Biden for his “extraordinary leadership” and for making a “selfless and patriotic act” by stepping aside.
She said: “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
