Trump leaves White House for final time as president

by Ian Swanson and Morgan Chalfant - 01/20/21 8:38 AM ET

President Trump left the White House for the final time Wednesday just before 8:15 a.m., taking Marine One to Joint Base Andrews where he delivered a farewell speech to supporters.

Trump told reporters it has been a “great honor” to serve as president and said he just wanted to say “goodbye” as he departed the White House with first lady Melania Trump, adding he hoped it wouldn’t be a long goodbye.

Pres. Trump as he boards Marine One: “I just want to say goodbye – but hopefully it’s not a longterm goodbye. We’ll see each other again.” https://t.co/UAlbBuSLTS #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/7PriK5GsT1

— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 20, 2021

Trump is skipping the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden in a break with historic tradition. He will head to his private Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida following his remarks at Andrews.

Vice President Pence, other former presidents and officials will be in attendance to witness Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris being sworn in.

Tags 2020 election Donald Trump Donald Trump Inauguration Joe Biden Melania Trump