Donald Trump went on a Truth Social posting spree to complain about Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 race and demand a refund for money spent campaigning against the president.
In his conspiracy-filled rant, Trump claimed the president never had COVID, he is not running the country, and Democrats stole the primary race from him. He also bestowed a nickname upon his apparent new opponent: Lyin’ Kamala Harris. Within 24 hours of Biden dropping out, Democrats coalesced around Harris and began backing her as the presidential frontrunner. Trump did not appear happy about the Democrats’ pivot, complaining on social media that his campaign has to “start all over.”
“So, we are forced to spend time and money on fighting Crooked Joe Biden, he polls badly after having a terrible debate, and quits the race,” Trump said. “Shouldn’t the Republican Party be reimbursed for fraud in that everybody around Joe, including his doctors and the Fake News Media, knew he was not capable of running for, or being, President? Just askin’?”
More:Election live updates: Harris to make first campaign stop in battleground state
Biden endorsed the vice president shortly after posting a letter on Sunday explaining he thought ending his reelection bid was best for the country and his party. By Monday night, Harris had secured the delegate votes needed to become the 2024 Democratic nominee.
Trump pivoted to attacking the vice president the same day, particularly on immigration. Biden tapped Harris to lead the administration’s response to border challenges in 2021.
“Joe Biden will go down as the Worst President in the history of the United States,” Trump said. “KAMALA, OUR HORRIBLE & INCOMPETENT BORDER CZAR, WILL BE WORSE!”
Since Harris announced her bid for the White House Sunday, Trump also pulled back from his commitment to a second presidential debate. He previously agreed to debate Biden on ABC News on Sept. 10, but in a Truth Social post Sunday evening, he called for Fox News to host the debate instead.
Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @rachelbarber_
