Joe Biden has officially announced that he will not be seeking reelection in November - actively withdrawing from the 2024 presidential election.
The bombshell announcement leaves the nation in unchartered territory, as the Democrat party must now select a candidate to go up against former POTUS Donald Trump.
On Sunday (July 21), Biden issued the following statement to his official X account, detailing how he will be standing down from the race to the White House. The 81-year-old's full statement can be read below:
"My Fellow Americans,
"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. 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.
"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. And 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.
"I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
"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."
Joe Biden's presidential debate against Donald Trump last month that sparked huge concern from his supporters, and led to more and more calls for the President to stand down for the interest of his party.
Biden had attempted to blame his performance on his hectic schedule, saying at a private fundraiser: "I decided to travel around the world a couple of times... shortly before the debate... I didn’t listen to my staff... and then I almost fell asleep on stage."
But others have not been convinced.
According to BBC News, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are both reported to have met Biden individually to express concerns.
Top stars, such as George Clooney, also openly called for Biden to stand down and withdraw from the race for the White House.
Writing in an op-ed for the New York Times, the actor said: "I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced.
"But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time."
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