Here's how Hollywood reacted to Biden exiting 2024 race: From Robert De Niro to Cardi B

Hollywood celebrities react to Joe Biden's historic decision to step down and endorse Kamala Harris as Democratic nominee

The news that President Joe Biden is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race has sent ripples through the entertainment industry and beyond. On Sunday, July 21, the 81-year-old incumbent announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Stars like Robert De Niro, Cardi B, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Legend, Cher, and Barbra Streisand publicly expressed their gratitude for Biden's service while following his lead to endorse Kamala Harris as his successor. Here's how 10 A-listers reacted after the POTUS announced his historic decision. 

1. Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo expressed his readiness to support the new direction following Joe Biden’s announcement. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 'Poor Things' actor wrote, "Okay everybody, now we have our marching orders and time to hit the trail running. No to Trump/Vance. No to the right-wing Christian religious takeover of our nation. Nothing wrong with Christianity; just shouldn’t be running a nation birthed from freedom of religion."

2. Robert De Niro

Hollywood legend and longtime Democratic donor Robert De Niro praised Joe Biden’s decision as both shrewd and patriotic. De Niro, who attended a Biden campaign press conference during Donald Trump’s hush money trial, described the announcement as "an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism." He added, "Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president ... because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you, Mr President!"

3. Barbra Streisand

Acclaimed singer and actress Barbra Streisand lauded President Joe Biden’s tenure and decision to step down. She wrote on social media, "Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy." 

4. Cardi B

Cardi B, known for her outspoken political views, was elated at the prospect of Kamala Harris leading the Democratic ticket. The 'WAP' rapper reiterated her previous endorsement of Harris, saying, "I TOLD YALL !!!!!!!!! Stop playing with me !!!!!! AHAHAHAHA LETS GOOOOO I TOLD YALLL KAMALA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 2024 candidate…..STOP FCKIN PLAYIN WITH ME !!!!!!!" When a user suggested that Biden might have been influenced by her, Cardi B responded, "Omgg maybe he did."

5. John Legend

John Legend offered a detailed reflection on Joe Biden’s White House term and his decision to step down. The singer wrote, "Joe Biden has presided over the most consequential first term of my lifetime." He then listed what he thought were some of Biden's most important accomplishments, noting, "He helped us to have the most robust recovery from the pandemic of any nation in the world, invested in our infrastructure, and made by far the largest investment in fighting climate change our nation has ever seen. He relieved burden some college debt for so many. Unemployment, inflation, and crime are all down dramatically from the highs caused by the pandemic." Legend added "With this record, he more than earned reelection, but time and age come for us all. I am grateful for the grace and patriotism he has shown by choosing to step aside for the sake of the country. I’m so ready to work to help unite the pro-democracy coalition to reject Trump’s authoritarian, oppressive Project 2025 and elect Kamala Harris as our president. She’s ready for this fight and I’m excited to help her in any way I can."

6. Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis expressed her deep respect for Joe Biden’s leadership and decision following the historic announcement. The actress posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo of Biden, writing, "GOD BLESS YOU @joebiden for your LEADERSHIP, GRACE UNDER PRESSURE, STRENGTH and RESILIENCE! Your country THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!" Curtis also endorsed Harris, stating, "I support wholeheartedly @joebiden and his decision to step down and to endorse unreservedly @kamalaharris. SHE IS TRUSTED AND TESTED and she is a fierce advocate for women's rights and people of color and her message is one of HOPE and UNITY for America at her time of great national divide."

7. Eva Longoria

'Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria took to social media to show her support for both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris following the announcement. She shared a photo with Harris and wrote, "Thankful for President @JoeBiden‘s years of service and commend his brave decision to pass the torch to a new nominee, in the name of democracy and selfless leadership. I believe in @KamalaHarris and believe in our collective effort to organize and win this!"

8. Cher

Cher, initially conflicted, ultimately reiterated her belief in the need for change. In a post, the revered singer wrote, "In my heart im tortured, Because I Don’t believe the Democrats Can win the Presidency With 'Pres Biden' 'Joe' whom I’ve Loved since we met in 2008. I Campaigned for him I believe ITS TIME 2 PASS THE BATON. TIME 4 DEMS 2 THINK 'WAY' OUTSIDE THE BOX. MAYBE EVEN A SPLIT TICKET." She later added, "Hadn’t Seen TV/Talked 2 Anyone, So Didn’t Know It Had Happened. I Believe Its Only Chance 4 [U.S.] 2 Remain DEMOCRACY. DEM PARTY MUST 'REALLY,' 'REALLY' THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. ‘WINNING IS ALL,’ DONT WIN CANT CHANGE ANYTHING & THE TIMES THEY MUST BE A CHANGIN." 

9. George Takei

'Star Trek' actor George Takei honored Joe Biden’s service and rallied support for Kamala Harris. He wrote, "I want to honor our President Joe Biden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot. Now let us unite behind Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump in November!"

10. Mark Hamill

Following the announcement, Mark Hamill commended Joe Biden for his numerous accomplishments and integrity. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 'Star Wars' actor wrote, "@JoeBiden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime. He restored honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. It’s now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honor & further your legacy."