US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election, saying "it is in the best interest of my party and the country".
It comes four months before Americans go to the polls, upending the race for the White House.
It follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican Donald Trump at the end of June.
In a letter posted to his social media account, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.
"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term".
He said in his statement he would address the nation on the matter next week.
President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner".
In the last few moments, Donald Trump has reacted to Joe Biden's decision to pull out, posting on his platform Truth Social: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve - and never was!"
"He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement.
"All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t," he writes.
"We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
