Joe Biden 's decision to bow out of the US election has been challenging for White House staff, according to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Biden, 81, talked about his decision and 'what lies ahead' in a televised address, marking an emotional moment for his team and family. "It's been hard.
It's been very hard," Jean-Pierre admitted during a daily briefing. To watch Biden's primetime address on Wednesday night, staff gathered with wine and pizza on a floor above the Oval Office. Following his 11-minute speech, Biden moved to the Rose Garden, where "hundreds of staff" cheered him on, described as a "beautiful moment" by Jean-Pierre, reported AFP.
"He also wanted to appreciate the staff. He knows how hard it's been, not just the past three and a half years, but certainly the past couple of weeks." Biden thanked his staff "off the cuff" and discussed the "historic amount of work" they accomplished, looking forward to the next six months.
Ice cream , one of Biden's favorite treats, was also served to the staff. The televised speech was deeply emotional for Biden's family. Biden hugged family members, including his son Hunter, and held hands with First Lady Jill Biden .
Biden's decision to drop out was announced on social media platform X on Sunday, catching some staff off guard, as they had only a minute's warning before it went public. Many White House staff may now face the challenge of seeking new employment as Biden's one-term presidency concludes. "These jobs, they don't pay all that well.
.. it takes you away from your family, you don't sleep as much, they are 24/7 jobs for sure.
And you do it because you believe in the work." The White House has also faced questions about whether it hid signs of aging or cognitive decline in Biden, the oldest president in US history. Jean-Pierre asserted there had been "no cover up.
".
