Joe Biden announced his intention to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, July 21. The president tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and explained his intention to focus on the remainder of his term in office in a statement to his social media followers.
“While I intended to seek reelection, I believe it is best for my party and my country if I step aside from office for the remainder of my term and focus on fulfilling the duties of my presidency,” Biden wrote.
Later, in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Trump endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate best suited to face off against Republican candidate Donald Trump in the November presidential election.
“My first decision as the party's nominee in 2020 was to select Kamala Harris as my vice president,” he said. “And it was the best decision I ever made. Today I fully endorse and support Kamala as our party's nominee this year. Fellow Democrats, now is the time to unite and defeat Trump. Let's do it together.”
The news sent shock waves through the Democratic Party and perhaps the entire country. The impact was certainly felt on social media platforms as people quickly reacted to the news, including celebrities, politicians and even Biden's family members, many of whom supported Biden throughout the 2020 campaign and intended to do so again this year.
Here are some of their reactions to the announcement:
