In a stunning move that upends the 2024 race for the White House, President Joe Biden notified the public of his decision to withdraw from the race in a letter. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for taking “bold steps” in supporting his country, praising the US president’s “tough but strong decision” to end his reelection bid. “He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war,” Zelensky said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commended Biden for taking “many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America, and the world are safer, and democracy stronger.” Tusk added, “I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed respect for Biden’s decision, stating, “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to Biden, calling him “my friend.” Scholz remarked, “Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. His decision not to run again deserves respect.”
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his “unwavering support of Israel over the years,” noting, “Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged Biden’s announcement as the best political decision he could make, emphasizing the importance of the Japan-US alliance.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his leadership and ongoing service, stating, “The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity, and climate action for this and future generations.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised Biden’s dedication to public service, saying, “That is something that deserves much respect.”
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro suggested Biden could be at ease with his conscience, stating, “He prioritised his family, his health and he realised at that age, with failing health, he couldn’t take the reins of his country, much less a presidential candidacy.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed gratitude for Biden’s years of service, calling him “a great man” guided by his love for his country and a true friend to Canadians.
Former President Barack Obama, with whom Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his record in office, highlighting Biden’s role in restoring America’s standing in the world, revitalizing NATO, and mobilizing the world against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Obama noted that Biden’s decision to drop out of the race was testament to his “love of country.”
The Kremlin stated it was monitoring developments closely. “The election is still four months away. And it’s a long time, during which a lot can change. We need to pay attention, follow what will happen, and go about our business,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Life.ru news outlet.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning declined to comment on the US presidential election, calling it “an internal affair of the US.”
Leading Republicans, meanwhile, insisted that Biden was unfit to remain president. House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress, stated, “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.”
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, wrote on his Truth Social network, “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve.”
