Surrounded by a select group of trusted advisers and First Lady Jill Biden at his vacation home on the Delaware coast on Saturday evening, President Joe Biden began to confront the unsettling reality that his distinguished political career, which has spanned over fifty years, was nearing an unexpected conclusion. Sources familiar with the situation describe Biden as feeling increasingly isolated, frustrated, and betrayed by allies who seemed to have abandoned him at a critical juncture.

Those close to Biden reported that his sense of betrayal and frustration was intense. "He’s really pissed off," said one individual with insight into Biden’s inner circle, capturing the profound personal and professional dissatisfaction he experienced.

Despite his deep anger and sense of injustice, Biden came to a reluctant acceptance that he could no longer sustain his re-election campaign. Poll numbers were declining, significant donors were withdrawing their support, and influential party figures were urging him to step aside. Although Biden may have been slower to reach this conclusion than other Democratic insiders, by Saturday night, he had come to terms with the harsh reality of his situation.

The dramatic turn of events over that pivotal weekend, culminating in Biden's surprising announcement, was revealed through interviews with two dozen Democrats who were closely involved in the unfolding developments. On Sunday, Biden communicated his decision to withdraw from the race to key figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, and Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon. This method of communication underscored how Biden’s inner circle had become restricted to family members and a small group of long-time aides, such as Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti, Anthony Bernal, and Annie Tomasini.

The timing of Biden's announcement was as sudden as it was unexpected. Many White House and campaign officials, along with Democratic National Committee officials and state party chairs, were caught off guard, learning of his decision simultaneously with the public through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Senior aides scrambled to arrange separate meetings to reassure White House and campaign staff that their positions were secure amid the upheaval.

The abrupt end of Biden’s campaign followed a tumultuous 25-day period marked by what many considered the most disastrous debate performance in modern American political history on June 27. In the aftermath, Biden struggled to reassure fellow Democrats and failed to regain donor confidence. Major donors withdrew their support, and elected officials gradually began calling for his exit from the race. Notably, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a key figure in the Democratic Party, suggested that Biden still needed to make a decision, despite his insistence on continuing the campaign.

On Saturday, Biden reportedly spoke with Pelosi—though her office later denied this conversation took place. Pelosi, who had previously supported Biden but had recently become more circumspect, did not respond to requests for comment.

As Biden’s decision approached, senior aides such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both prominent Democrats from New York, were anticipated to publicly endorse Biden stepping aside following his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden also met with Donilon and Ricchetti on Saturday, where they reviewed detailed polling data and discussed potential paths forward. Despite the comprehensive analysis, the aides did not offer specific recommendations, sensing that Biden had already resolved to withdraw. They decided to deliberate further overnight.

By Sunday morning, Biden convened a meeting with his full senior advisory team, maintaining strict confidentiality to prevent leaks. Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain had reported that Biden was "feeling the pressure" earlier in the week, yet Biden had not altered his position until the weekend. Friends had cautioned him that continuing might jeopardize his legacy and potentially make him a scapegoat if the Democrats suffered a significant defeat in November. Biden, who had initially promised to serve as a transitional candidate, was determined not to be perceived as merely a bridge between two Trump terms.

Cedric Richmond, a former White House official and co-chair of Biden’s 2020 campaign, observed that once financial support and political backing began to evaporate, the path to victory became virtually insurmountable. "It became a no-win situation, a self-fulfilling prophecy," Richmond said. "Once money dries up and elected officials pull their support, it’s impossible to win, and he’s always put country and party first."

At 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, Biden convened a call with his senior advisers to finalize his decision. An official statement had been prepared in advance, and within one minute of the call, his X account posted the announcement that he would remain in office but relinquish his party’s nomination—marking the first time an incumbent president had done so since Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Less than 30 minutes later, Biden endorsed Harris as his chosen successor, believing she was best positioned to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.

Following his announcement, Biden made 40 to 50 phone calls to discuss his decision, according to sources. In the days leading up to his withdrawal, Biden had reviewed polling data on how Harris might fare against Trump, reflecting his concerns about her candidacy. The Harris polling data had been closely guarded and shared only with a select group of top campaign aides.

Biden's decision appeared to be driven by political considerations rather than concerns about his health or ability to perform his duties. Although he had previously indicated that a significant medical issue might prompt him to reconsider his candidacy, there was no new medical information influencing his choice. His last comprehensive physical examination had been conducted in February.

In affirming his commitment to complete his term in office, Biden expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill the presidency's demands. The aftermath of his announcement saw Democrats across the country scrambling to respond and prepare for the future. State party chairs, such as Minnesota’s Ken Martin, swiftly mobilized to unify the party behind Harris. Martin organized a conference call with other state party chairs to facilitate a unified stance and expedite the campaign’s transition.

An integral member of Biden’s re-election team discovered the news through a family member reading a news alert, highlighting the surprise and confusion that surrounded the announcement. Many of Biden’s closest allies had been publicly supportive of his candidacy until the very last moment.

In response, Harris began reaching out to party leaders to ensure a smooth path to the nomination. She garnered endorsements from prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, the 2016 presidential nominee. Notable Democratic governors, such as Gavin Newsom of California and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, also expressed their support. This rapid consolidation of support aimed to solidify Harris’s position and minimize internal party divisions.

Biden’s decision to endorse Harris swiftly and decisively was influenced by his own experiences of perceived betrayal during his vice presidency. He was determined to ensure that Harris would not face the same treatment. "There are some people who don’t want her," a Biden ally noted. "The president understands how that feels, which is why he did the loyal thing."

Even as preparations for Harris's campaign began, many Biden loyalists in Washington grappled with the perceived indignity of his treatment. "Here is a man who has always talked about dignity," said a longtime Biden ally. "And what was happening to him in a very public setting was undignified. Where does the president go to get his dignity back?"