President Biden decided on Sunday to step back from the election and not seek a second term, allowing the Democrats to run a different candidate against Donald Trump.
World leaders have quickly responded to the long-awaited news that President Biden has decided not to run for a second term, which took many by surprise despite the reports over the past two weeks.
“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency”, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, elected and appointed to office less than three weeks ago, wrote on social media platform X.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people”, he added.
Biden issued a statement at around 2 p.m. EST on Sunday, by all accounts keeping his decision very private up until the moment he published his statement online. Reports indicate that his campaign staff were still geared up to continue this coming week when they heard the news.
But reports had indicated that Biden was increasingly likely to decide to stand down, as major donors threatened to pull support and over three dozen elected Democrats in Congress urged Biden to stand aside and let the party put forward a new candidate.
Former British prime minister and current member of parliament Rishi Sunak wrote that “working with Joe Biden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service.”
“Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats”, Sunak wrote. “I wish him all the best.”
And another former Conservative Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wrote that he would “salute Joe Biden for the bravery of his decision and also for all he has done as president.
