Republicans Call on Biden to Resign as President

(Patria) - More than a dozen Republicans called on U.S. President Joe Biden to step down on Sunday after he ended his re-election bid, saying his unwillingness to continue campaigning raises questions about his ability to continue governing, Reuters reported.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's nominated running mate in the November 5 election, and other lawmakers have called on the 81-year-old incumbent president to resign from office.

Biden insisted in his statement that he would finish his term, which ends on January 20, 2025, and fellow Democrats described these announcements as "ridiculous".

"If Joe Biden is not capable of running for president, he is not capable of serving as president. He must resign immediately. November 5 cannot come soon enough," said Johnson, who is next in line for the presidency after Vice President Kamala Harris.

Others, including Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, have called on Biden's cabinet to remove him from office, citing the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It is unlikely that Biden's cabinet, composed of officials chosen by the president, would do so.

When asked about the calls for resignation, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden associate, said, "I think that's ridiculous."

White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden would continue to serve.

"He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," Bates said.

"This includes continuing to lower costs, create jobs, and protect Social Security while opposing the MAGAnomics agenda that would worsen inflation and lead us into recession."

Republican Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Elise Stefanik, Tim Burchett, and Mike Waltz also called on Biden to resign.