US President Joe Biden on Sunday ended his reelection campaign. He said in a letter posted on X that he would remain in office until the end of his term and address the country later this week on his decision.
Below are reactions from politicians and advocacy groups-
‘Worst president in the history ‘: Former President Donald Trump
In a phone call with CNN minutes after Biden announced his exit from the 2024 race, former President Trump responded, “He is the worst president in the history of our country.He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country.” Trump also said he thought Vice President Kamala Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden would have been, according to CNN.
Obama praises Biden’s decision
Barack Obama praised US President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the White House race on Sunday, saying it was testament to the US leader’s “love of country” — but warned of “uncharted waters” ahead of the November 5 election.
Biden had “every right” to run for reelection, the former president said in a statement, lauding the 81-year-old’s record and calling him a “patriot of the highest order.”
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” he continued.
Pelosi hails Biden
Joe Biden is “one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday, after the US leader announced he was dropping out of the White House race.
Biden is “a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” Pelosi said in a statement, expressing her “love and gratitude” to him.
Chuck Schumer, senate majority leader
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American,” the Democrat said in a statement.
Elise Stefanik, House Republican conference chairwoman
“If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign,” Stefanik said in a statement.
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
“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. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents,” Newsom posted on X.
Donald Trump Jr
“Kamala Harris owns the entire leftwing policy record of Joe Biden. The only difference is that she is even more liberal and less competent than Joe, which is really saying something. She was put in charge of the border and we saw the worst invasion of illegals in our history!!!” Donald Jr said on X.
Erich Pica, President of Friends of the Earth Action
“We thank President Biden for his decades of leadership and support the decision to end his re-election campaign. While far from perfect, Biden has taken some historic steps to address the climate crisis by passing the Inflation Reduction Act and kickstarting major investments in renewable energy.
“What’s at stake in this election remains the same: Trump is an existential threat to our democracy and the planet and would guarantee a full descent into climate chaos,” Pica said in a statement.
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
“President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump. His remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure America’s global leadership over decades will go down in history. My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” Whitmer said on X.
Following are some reactions from around the world-
Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stoere
“I respect Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. That justification deserves respect,” Stoere told national broadcaster NRK. “Biden has been one of America’s most prominent politicians over several decades, and a president who has carried out several important reforms.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
“Mr. President @JoeBiden, many times you have made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger. I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision. Perhaps the most difficult one in your life.”
Czech PM Petr Fiala
“It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.”