President Joe Biden surprised the nation when he announced Sunday that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race against Donald Trump.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” the 81-year-old wrote in a statement.
“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.”
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In a follow-up statement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Celebrities swiftly responded to the news, with “Star Trek” actor George Takei writing on X, “I want to honor our President @JoeBiden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot. Now let us unite behind @KamalaHarris and defeat Donald Trump in November!”
Lil Nas X commented on Biden’s Instagram post, “Wow It’s really jover.”
Trump, 78, shared his thoughts on Truth Social, writing in part, “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!”
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” former President Barack Obama shared on X.
“Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill also reacted, posting, “Joe Biden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime. He restored honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos.”
“Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy,” Barbra Streisand wrote.
Jon Stewart simply posted, “Legend.”
“Thank you, Mr. President for your leadership and your lifetime of service,” Uzo Aduba commented on Instagram.
Meanwhile, rapper Cardi B shared excitement over the possibility that Harris, 59, might be on the ballot.
“AHAHAHAHA LETS GOOOOO I TOLD YALLL KAMALA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 2024 candidate…..STOP F–KIN PLAYIN WITH ME !!!!!!!” the “Money” hitmaker wrote via X.
Ariana Grande also showed her support for the vice president by resharing Biden’s post endorsing Harris on her Instagram Story along with a link to register to vote.
Russell Brand chimed, posting, “Joe Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after ending re-election bid. We’re in a wild world, mate.”
“Joe Biden has presided over the most consequential first term of real progress in my lifetime. … I’m grateful for the grace and patriotism he has shown by choosing to step aside for the sake of the country,” John Legend posted on Instagram.
The “All of Me” singer continued, “I’m so ready to work to help unite the pro-democracy coalition to reject Trump’s authoritarian, oppressive Project 2025 and elect Kamala Harris as our President. She’s ready for this fight and I’m excited to help her in any way I can.”
Jamie Lee Curtis also shared on the platform, “GOD BLESS YOU @joebiden for your LEADERSHIP, GRACE UNDER PRESSURE, STRENGTH and RESILIENCE! Your country THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”
“Thank you Mr President for leading with kindness, change and class! ❤️,” Melissa Joan Hart commented on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Dave Portnoy took to X to share a video of his thoughts on Biden’s withdrawal from the race while sailing in Nantucket, Mass.
“There is no way Kamala would have been the nominee if Joe Biden dropped out before the Democratic Primary and had to run vs other candidates,” the Barstool Sports founder wrote.
“The people who control Joe also control Kamala and just subverted democracy with pure election fraud and theft.”
