Biden drops out LIVE: Joe Biden dramatically withdraws from 2024 re-election campaign and endorses Kamala Harris

US President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race for the White House leaving the presidential race in uncharted territory.

Mr Biden ended his bid for re-election following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

In a letter posted on X, the 81-year-old said: "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President.

“And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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."

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden's Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president's many falsehoods.

His gaffes at a NATO summit - invoking Russian President Vladimir Putin's name when he meant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and calling Vice President Kamala Harris "Vice President Trump" -further stoked anxieties.

Mr Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on January 20, 2025.

Around 30 minutes after he announced he was dropping out of the presidential race, Mr Biden threw his support behind Kamala Harris, the party's instant favourite for the nomination.

In a second post on X he said: “I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

The president added that “we have made great progress as a nation” during his three-and-a-half years in office.

He wrote: “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. 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.”

Mr Biden said he would address America in more detail about his decision.

Follow the latest updates below.

Key Points

• Joe Biden endorses Vice President Kamala Harris

• 'Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people' says Prime Minister

Live coverage ends

22:41 , Jacob Phillips

The Evening Standard’s live coverage has ended.

Read the latest political stories from the Standard here.

A-list Democrats commend Biden as he drops out of presidential race

21:25

A-list actors and Democratic Party supporters Mark Hamill and Barbra Streisand have praised Joe Biden and thanked him for his service following his withdrawal from the US presidential race.Elsewhere, pop star Ariana Grande shared Mr Biden’s post endorsing Ms Harris as the new nominee of the Democratic Party.

A number of celebrities, including long-time Democrat George Clooney, called for Mr Biden to drop out of the race days after his debate against former president Mr Trump last month in which he gave a string of nonsensical answers.

Read more about how celebrities reacted to the news Biden was stepping back here.

Kamala Harris says she will 'earn and win' Democratic nomination

21:11 , Jacob Phillips

Vice President Kamala Harris has said she will “earn and win” the Democratic nomination for president and beat Donald Trump.

She said she was "honoured" to have the endorsement of Joe Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his "extraordinary leadership" and for making a "selfless and patriotic act" by stepping aside.

She said: "I am honoured to have the President's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."

She added: "I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party -and unite our nation - to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

"We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

Obama praises Biden for stepping aside

20:59 , Jacob Phillips

Barak Obama has praised Joe Biden for stepping aside.

In a statement, the former US president wrote: “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.”

He added: “Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life.

“But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.”

Rishi Sunak praises Biden's 'love for America'

20:53 , Jacob Phillips

Rishi Sunak praised Joe Biden’s “love for America and dedication to service”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the former prime minister said: “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.

“I wish him all the best.”

'I respect President Biden's decision' says Prime Minister

20:46 , Jacob Phillips

Responding to Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the US presidential race, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”

Irish premier praises Biden's 'friendship' to Ireland

20:24 , Jacob Phillips

Irish premier Simon Harris has praised Joe Biden’s “friendship” to Ireland.

In a statement, Mr Harris said: “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland, I, as Taoiseach, would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 US presidential election.”

He said Mr Biden had expressed a “fierce pride” in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for “reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions”.

Mr Harris added: “Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this.

“On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year he himself said it was like coming home.

“The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the President is held in his ancestral home.”

John Swinney commends Biden's 'selfless' decision

20:21 , Jacob Phillips

John Swinney has commended Joe Biden for his “selfless” decision to end his 2024 bid for the presidency.

In a post to X, the First Minister of Scotland, wrote: “Joe Biden has served the people of the USA with devotion and total commitment.

“Now, in a typically selfless act, he steps aside to do what he thinks is right for his people.

“He came to Scotland for Cop26 and made a powerful contribution. He has our best wishes for the future.”

Biden's Covid-19 symptoms 'improved significantly'

20:12 , Jacob Phillips

US President Joe Biden’s Covid-19 symptoms have “improved significantly”, his doctor said in a medical statement provided to the press.

Dr Kevin O’Connor said in an official update on Sunday that the President’s vital signs remain “absolutely normal” as he continues his treatment for the virus.

“President Biden completed his eighth dose of Paxlovid this morning,” he said.

“His symptoms have improved significantly. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal.

“His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.”

He added: “The President continues to tolerate treatment without any difficulty and will continue Paxlovid as planned. He continues to perform all of his presidential duties.”

James Cleverly thanks Biden for being 'great friend to the UK'

20:10 , Jacob Phillips

Former foreign secretary James Cleverly thanked Joe Biden for being “a great friend to the UK”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “It was a pleasure meeting President Biden as foreign secretary on his visits to the UK, especially at the signing of the book of condolence for Her Late Majesty.

“Thank you for being a great friend to the UK as our two governments defended freedom and democracy around the world.”

Nigel Farage claims he 'predicted' Biden would drop out

20:06 , Jacob Phillips

In response to Mr Biden’s statement, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “I predicted this would happen in September 2023.

“Whoever they pick, Trump will win in November.”

'I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop' - Biden's granddaughter

19:59

Joe Biden’s granddaughter said she is “proud” of how her grandfather served “our country” following his decision to end his 2024 bid for the presidency.

In a post to X, Naomi Biden, wrote: “I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction.

“Not only has he been — and will continue to be — the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nation’s history.

“He has been at the centre of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years.

“Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him.

“To the Americans who have always had his back, keep the faith. He will always have ours.”

'Joe Biden was not fit to run for President - and never was' says Donald Trump

19:54 , Jacob Phillips

Writing on his Truth Social platform, former US president Donald Trump, who is standing for the Republican Party, said: “Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!”

He added: “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Who will replace Joe Biden?

19:50 , Jacob Phillips

A party's presidential nominee has never stepped out of the race so close to the US election.

Democrats will have to urgently try to persuade voters in a stunningly short amount of time that their nominee can handle the job and beat Donald Trump.

The decision marks a swift and stunning end to Joe Biden's 52 years in electoral politics, as donors, lawmakers and even aides expressed to him their doubts that he could convince voters that he could plausibly handle the job for another four years.

Kamala Harris, 59, appeared to be the natural successor, in large part because she is the only candidate who can directly tap into the Biden campaign's war chest, according to federal campaign finance rules.

Mr Biden's backing helps clear the way for Mrs Harris, but a smooth transition is by no means assured.

It remains to be seen whether other candidates would challenge Harris for the nomination or how the party may need to adjust its rules again to smooth Mrs Harris' nomination on the floor.

Biden 'changed his mind' on Sunday afternoon, source says

19:41 , Jacob Phillips

President Joe Biden as of Saturday night had planned to stay in the 2024 presidential race, but told senior staff on Sunday afternoon that he was withdrawing, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

"Last night the message was proceed with everything, full speed ahead," the source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "At around 1.45 pm today: the president told his senior team that he had changed his mind."

The decision caught many White House staff off guard, with several expressing shock that the president had made the announcement while recuperating from a bout of Covid-19 at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Nursing a cough, the 81-year-old Biden had spent the weekend stewing over Democratic pressure to force him to leave the race.

Joe Biden endorses Vice President Kamala Harris

19:34 , Jacob Phillips

Shortly after announcing he was stepping back from the re-election campaign, Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a post on X 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 very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President.

“And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”