As news broke Sunday afternoon that Joe Biden would no longer be seeking a second term in office, several elected officials on a federal level as well as the Republican nominee for President, Donald Trump, demanded that the Democrat resign from office.
Soon after Biden’s letter announcing his withdrawal was released to the public, Republican lawmakers and officials immediately began calling for the President’s resignation, citing his failing cognitive abilities.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) quickly called for Biden’s resignation, questioning if he should be holding the nuclear codes given his mental state.
“Democrats and the media knew Joe Biden had serious cognitive issues and they used him as their puppet for as long as they could,” Tuberville said in a statement. “Now, they’re trying to gaslight Democrat voters into thinking they have a say when clearly the Democrat elites are running the show.”
“Democrats and the complicit media must be held accountable for this massive cover-up. If Joe Biden is unfit to run again, he is unfit to hold the nuclear codes. I join my colleagues in demanding that President Biden resign immediately.”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also expressed concern about Biden’s ability to defend the country.
“If he’s not capable of sitting in a courtroom, he’s not capable of sitting in the Situation Room,” Britt told AL.com. “He’s shown consistently he’s not capable.”
RELATED: Biden drops out of U.S. Presidential race, insists on ability to lead country
Former President Donald Trump pulled no punches after the surprise announcement either. “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — And never was!” Trump posted. “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) also questioned if Biden was fit to continue to serve as President given his withdrawal for medical reasons.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) July 21, 2024
Calls are growing among U.S. House and Senate Republicans, reaching to the top ranks of the leadership, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), who also called for Biden to step down.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” Speaker Johnson said.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.