Joe Biden withdraws from the US presidential race

US President Joe Biden has withdrawn from his bid for re-election, saying “it is in the best interest of my party and the best interest of the country that I step down”.

Mr Biden also offered his “full support” to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

In a post on his social media account, he said: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

“My first decision as the party’s nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it was the best decision I made. Today I want to give my full support and backing for Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats – it’s time to unite and defeat Trump. Let’s do it.”

In a separate letter posted to X, Mr. Biden said it was the greatest honor of his life to be president.

“And while it was my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country that I step down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term. “

He said in his statement that he would address the nation on the issue next week, adding: “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to everyone who worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being a tremendous partner in all of this. And let me express my sincere 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 that we are the United States of America.”

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Democratic allies for Biden to withdraw following his shaky June 27 debate.

Biden’s term ends at noon on January 20, 2025.