Shortly after Joe Biden announced his decision to end his reelection bid, Republican candidate Donald Trump criticized the incumbent president, calling him “not fit to run” and “certainly not fit to serve.” Trump asserted that Biden “only attained the position of president by lies and fake news.”
In a statement posted on his Truth Social network, Trump, 78, stated, “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement.” Trump further accused Biden’s associates, including his doctor and the media, of knowing his incapability to serve as president and blamed his administration for the country’s challenges, particularly concerning border security.
Trump’s comments followed Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing the “best interest” of the Democratic Party and the country. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee and emphasized unity within the party to defeat Trump.
Biden’s decision came amid mounting pressure from Democrats after his performance in a nationally televised debate with Trump on June 27. In a letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Biden 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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Biden mentioned, “Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. 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.”
Biden also stressed the significance of his partnership with Vice President Kamala Harris and expressed gratitude for the American people’s support. “I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. 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. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he said.
Biden concluded by thanking those who worked for his reelection and emphasized his belief in the collective power of the American people. “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. 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.”
