Amid growing pressure to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek reelection, citing the best interests of his party and the country. The decision follows concerns about his fitness for office after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump.
In a letter posted on X, Biden expressed that serving as President has been the greatest honour of his life. He stated, “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.” He added that he would speak to the nation later in the week to provide more details about his decision.
Biden highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past three and a half years, noting, “Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.”
He credited these accomplishments to the American people, acknowledging their role in overcoming significant challenges. “Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world,” Biden wrote.
Biden also expressed his deepest gratitude to those who have supported his efforts to seek reelection. He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner and extended his heartfelt appreciation to the American people for their faith and trust in him.
“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,” Biden concluded.