Trump to hold departure ceremony at Joint Base Andrews on morning of Biden inauguration

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will leave the White House for Florida shortly before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration Wednesday, two sources familiar with his plans said on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet announced.

Trump will hold a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, the usual jumping off point for Air Force One located in Maryland just outside of Washington, D. C., before his final departure from the capital city, the sources said.

Details of that ceremony are still under consideration, according to sources, but may include a color guard and 21-gun salute. The president has previously changed his travel plans in the weeks since election.

Trump had already announced he would skip Biden’s inauguration, breaking with more than a century of tradition. That means Trump will also ditch the traditional helicopter lift from the U. S. Capitol, a potent moment of symbolism that underscores the peaceful transfer of power between two presidents.

Vice President Mike Pence is set to attend the inauguration.

Pence called Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Thursday to congratulate her and offer assistance less than a week before she is sworn is as his successor, according to a source familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The pair have not spoken since the election, the source said.

Biden dismissed Trump’s decision not to attend the inauguration, telling reporters last week it was "one of the few things ... (Read more)

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