Timeline: The week that rocked the 2024 presidential race

In a matter of just eight days, the U.S. political landscape has changed completely.

President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race was the culmination of a head-spinning series of events that began with an attempted assassination of Donald Trump, and ended with Vice President Harris as the frontrunner to be the Democratic nominee.

Here is a timeline of the week that changed the 2024 race to the White House.

Saturday, July 13: Trump assassination attempt

The assassination attempt against former President Trump sent shockwaves around the U.S. and the world.

Live television viewers were stunned after Trump was bloodied at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, where he said a bullet hit his ear. One rally attendee, as well as the gunman, were killed. 

The shooting has sparked questions about security protocols, leading to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Tuesday. 

It also prompted a groundswell of intense support for Trump that could be felt at the Republican National Convention just days later.

Monday, July 15: Trump picks JD Vance as his running mate

Just 48 hours after an attempt on Trump’s life, the Republican nominee picked Ohio Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) to be his running mate on the first day of the Republican National Convention.

The Ohio Republican was widely seen as one of three final contenders in a list that included Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R).

Vance later walked onto the convention floor to huge cheers and chants of “USA, USA” alongside his wife Usha, and was seen celebrating his nomination with the Ohio delegation.

Trump made his first public appearance since Saturday’s shooting toward the end of the evening. The crowd roared as he entered the convention hall sporting a bandage over his ear as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA”.

Wednesday, July 17: Biden tests positive for COVID

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 with “mild symptoms” and went into self-isolation at his home in Delaware. 

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said he would “continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”

Republicans at the GOP convention were quick to grab onto the juxtaposition of Trump who was at the convention just a few days after an assassination attempt, and Biden, who had to cut short his trip to Nevada because of his COVID-19 diagnosis. 

Thursday, July 18: More House Democrats start calling on Biden to stand down

After a brief lull in calls for Biden to step aside, leaders of the president’s party started ramping up pressure. 

Biden’s team was still insistent that he is not dropping out of the race, but reports said he was becoming open to the possibility. And reports emerged that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and former President Obama all reportedly told Biden in private meetings that he would likely lose to Trump. Top fundraisers warned the campaign coffers were quickly drying up. 

Well-connected Democratic Party insiders told The Hill they expected Biden to make a major announcement about his future soon after the Republican National Convention concludes in Milwaukee, and that congressional leaders expected Harris would become their nominee for president if Biden drops his reelection bid.

Saturday, July 20: Trump returns to campaign trail

Trump held his first campaign rally since he survived an assassination attempt and accepted the RNC nomination on July 20.

“It was exactly one week ago, even to the hour, even to the minute,” Trump told the crowd in Grand Rapids, Mich., reflecting on the July 13 shooting in Pennsylvania.

“I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” he said, the white bandage on his ear now replaced by a smaller skin-colored bandage. “I shouldn’t be here right now.” 

Trump was joined by Vance at the duo’s first event together since they became the GOP’s nominees at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Sunday, July 21: Biden withdraws from 2024 race

Biden capped off the tumultuous week in U.S. politics with his surprise announcement around 2 p.m. EST. 

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your 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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media platform X. 

Minutes later, he posted again with his endorsement of Harris to replace him. 

Biden’s first public remarks would not come until Monday, when he called into his campaign headquarters to say he would remain heavily involved in the campaign to elect Harris. 

Biden is planning to address the country at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday.