Joe Biden is ignoring Republican calls for him to resign as president, including from the Speaker of the House, after he decided not to run for reelection. This week, he is diving into critical discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and focusing on other major priorities.
The White House confirmed on Sunday that Biden will continue as commander-in-chief despite not seeking another term, stating he “looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people.”
This statement follows Republicans’ public demands for Biden to step down, questioning his cognitive abilities and arguing that he cannot effectively govern for the next six months if he won’t pursue another term.
Republican lawmakers argued on Sunday that Biden’s decision to not run again indicates he is no longer fit to perform his presidential duties. This sentiment was recently promoted by Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Biden’s aides and allies have strongly rejected these calls, deeming them offensive and unfounded, asserting that Biden is fully capable and committed to completing his presidency.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized the GOP’s push as “utterly graceless and shameful baloney,” praising Biden’s decision as courageous and selfless.
In the coming days, Biden is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu to work towards a cease-fire in Gaza, which his aides consider a top priority leading up to the November election. The administration is also involved in negotiations on Capitol Hill to keep the government funded and reauthorize the defense budget, which will intensify later this fall. Additionally, Biden remains actively engaged in supporting international efforts to defend Ukraine against Russia, an alliance he takes personal pride in maintaining.
According to Biden’s aides and allies, this agenda is crucial for the Democrats’ efforts to retain the White House, even though Biden will not be the president after January 20.
“Joe Biden has more experience in foreign policy than any national leader, and to have him step aside now, I think, would be a great disservice to this nation and a profound disrespect,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden ally, on CNN.