First lady Jill Biden shared her appreciation for her husband and his supporters Wednesday, after Biden delivered remarks on his decision to step aside from the 2024 White House race.
President Biden addressed the nation Wednesday evening in his first on-camera remarks since announcing earlier this week that he would withdraw his candidacy.
The first lady also urged those who supported Biden to now give support to Vice President Harris, who Biden and other major figures have already endorsed to replace him atop the ticket and take on former President Trump in November.
“To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude,” the first lady wrote in a statement posted to social media platform X. “Thank you for the trust you put in Joe—now it’s time to put that trust in Kamala.”
The president announced in a letter posted to social media Sunday that he would not be seeking reelection. His decision came after weeks of mounting calls from Democrats for him to step aside and let someone else take his place.
In his address Wednesday, Biden said he withdrew from the race to unite Democrats and to “pass the torch” to younger voices. He also vowed to use his last six months in office to call for Supreme Court reform.
The president lavished praise on Harris, who he called “experienced,” “tough,” and “capable.” She is poised to become the Democratic nominee for president after clinching enough delegates on Monday to secure the position. She has also boasted a record fundraising haul since the incumbent dropped from the race and endorsed her.
Biden was joined in the Oval Office Wednesday by the first lady, his children, their spouses and children, as well as longtime political advisers.
Jill Biden and the rest of the family have frequently shown their loyalty to the president, especially in the weeks following a poor debate performance — where he lacked energy and stumbled over his words — sparked concerns over whether Biden could beat Trump or serve another four years.
The first lady and other members of Biden’s family also offered immediate words of support to him after he decided to withdraw from the race.