Maria Shriver says her 'heart is breaking' for President Biden

Maria Shriver (C), former first lady of California, and Kate Cox (R), abortion rights advocate, sit in first lady Jill Biden’s guest box during U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on March 07, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Maria Shriver, the former first lady of California and a member of the Kennedy family, said Thursday that her "heart is breaking" for President Biden over reports that hey may drop out of the 2024 election. 

"If the rumors are true, let’s be compassionate. A good man who has devoted his life to serving his country. Regardless of your party, this is a human moment. This is as tough as it gets," Shriver wrote on social media.

Her post quoted a report by Axios that top Democrats now believe Biden will exit the 2024 race amid rising pressure from his party. 

"The top leaders of his party, his friends and key donors believe he can't win, can't change public perceptions of his age and acuity, and can't deliver congressional majorities," Axios reported. "The president is being told that if he stays in, former President Trump could win in a landslide and wipe away Biden's legacy and Democrats' hopes in November."

Shriver is a friend of the Biden family and was first lady Jill Biden's guest at the State of the Union address earlier this year.