Former President Donald Trump has swiftly responded to President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, asserting that his former opponent was “not fit to run” for the nation’s highest office. Trump’s reaction, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, offers insight into how he might frame the upcoming election against a new Democratic nominee.
In his statement, Trump wrote, “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!” The former president’s comments echo his long-standing criticisms of Biden’s cognitive abilities and leadership capacity, themes that have been central to Republican messaging throughout Biden’s presidency.
Trump expanded on his critique, stating, “All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t.” This assertion attempts to implicate Biden’s inner circle and the media in what Trump suggests was a cover-up of the president’s alleged unfitness for office.
The former president then pivoted to policy criticisms, particularly focusing on border security, a key issue in his previous campaigns and presidency. Trump concluded his statement with a forward-looking message, saying, “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump’s rapid response to Biden’s withdrawal underscores the fluid nature of the 2024 presidential race and hints at how he might adjust his campaign strategy in light of this development. By reaffirming his criticism of Biden and promising to undo the current administration’s policies, Trump is signaling continuity in his message despite the change in his potential opponent.