WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — United States (US) President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of his re-election battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory.

“It has been the greatest honour 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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter posted on X.

The latest development follows mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers, party officials and the wider public to quit the presidential race after Biden’s poor performance in a televised debate last month against Republican rival Donald Trump.

The 81-year-old president, however, said he will remain in his role as president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025. Biden will address the nation this week.