WASHINGTON (AP) – As President Donald Trump’s term comes to an end, his unconventional approach to the job remains beyond the generally carefully choreographed transfer of power. Here are six questions for your last six days in office.
IS HE GOING TO TALK TO THE BIDEN?
Trump has announced that he will be the first incumbent president in more than a century to skip the inauguration of his successor, but he can still take steps to avoid giving his successor a cold shoulder. Trump did not make a concession call or invite Biden to the White House after his victory. In fact, he hasn’t spoken to Biden since the controversial final debate in October. But last week, the White House invited Biden to spend the night of January 19 at Blair House.
Officials do not expect Trump to invite Biden to the White House for the traditional pre-opening tea on Wednesday, but said this is still a remote possibility. They also wondered what – if anything – Trump would write to his successor in the usual note left in the Oval Office for the next occupant.
WHEN WILL HE LEAVE THE CITY?
The swearing-in ceremony traditionally ends with the departure of the former Capitol President and a flight on one of the planes that serve as Air Force One to anywhere in the country. With Trump skipping the event, White House officials say Trump has not yet decided how and when he will leave the White House for his residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Options under consideration include leaving Washington on Tuesday, when Biden is due to arrive in the capital, or even the morning of his inauguration, potentially minutes before Biden takes office.
ARE MORE AFOOT FORGIVES?
In late December, the president pardoned a number of former advisers and associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign president Paul Manafort and the father of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Trump is considering a final round of pardons and leniency that may be even closer to home. As Trump continues to face legal challenges, the possibility that he may try to forgive himself, other family members or senior advisers remains the subject of internal discussion at the White House.
WILL YOU TRY TO BURN YOUR LEGACY?
Presidents, before leaving office, usually host a series of events designed to highlight their achievements, while seeking to defend their arguments for the history books. With the exception of a trip on Tuesday to see the U.S.-Mexico border wall, Trump has avoided opportunities to try to deliver a final sales pitch for his government’s actions. Aides say Trump is not planning to give a farewell speech or answer questions from reporters for the last time, nor does he have confirmed public events on his agenda.
HOW WILL YOU DEAL WITH POTENTIAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE AROUND THE OPENING?
The FBI warned of the potential for armed protests in all 50 states and in Washington before taking office. After being charged a second time on Wednesday for fomenting the Capitol insurrection last week, Trump moved to repudiate acts of violence from his supporters. With the police and the National Guard on high alert in Washington and across the country, Trump’s messages in his final hours in office will come under intense scrutiny for any indication of encouraging demonstrations.
WHAT WILL HE DO AFTER?
Trump has yet to make plans for his post-presidency, from setting up an office to selecting a location for a potential presidential library. Trump kept the door open to run for the White House again in 2024, but the Senate could close it as early as next week, when Trump’s second impeachment trial begins. If convicted, Trump could be prevented by the Senate from running for federal office again – and even stripped of his pension.