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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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Republican presidential hopeful Tim Scott abruptly announced that he was dropping out of 2024 race on live television late Sunday, prompting a wave of jokes on social media.
The South Carolina senator, who entered the race in May, made the surprise announcement to Trey Gowdy, one of his closest friends, during an appearance on Sunday Night in America on Fox News.
"Traveling this country, meeting people, it's been one of the most fantastic experiences of my entire life," Scott said.
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"I love America more today than I did on May 22. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters who are the most remarkable people on the planet have been really clear that they're telling me, 'Not now, Tim.'"
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Scott's campaign could not immediately be reached for further comment.
The race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 has been dominated by former President Donald Trump, who is continuing to poll far ahead of his rivals despite four criminal indictments and other legal challenges. Former Vice President Mike Pence ended his campaign in late October after struggling to raise money and gain traction in the polls.
Scott's departure prompted some to take to social media with jokes and memes at his expense.
"Tim Scott has dropped out of the presidential race. Try not to laugh," Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
A user with the handle @TeaPainUSA wrote that "tens of voters will be mildly disappointed" by Scott dropping out.
Gary McCoy, a former aide to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, wrote that Scott, who supports a 15-week national limit on abortions, should have to "carry his campaign to term."
"Don't forget the moment Tim Scott's campaign actually ended," wrote Jack Lobel, a spokesperson for Voters of Tomorrow, wrote alongside a clip of Scott announcing his White House run.
Another user joked that Scott had dropped out "claiming he'd like to spend more time with his girlfriend," alongside a doctored photo of Scott with former first lady Melania Trump.
"Supporters of Tim Scott have gathered to hear his announcement suspending his campaign," another person joked alongside a photo of an empty stadium.
However, many of Scott's former 2024 rivals wished him well in statements on Sunday night.
Scott "is a strong conservative with bold ideas about how to get our country back on track," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X.
"I respect his courage to run this campaign and thank him for his service to America and the U.S. Senate."
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, called Scott "a good man of faith and an inspiration to so many" and said the Republican primary "was made better by his participation in it."
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