WASHINGTON – President Trump will leave Washington on Wednesday with a farewell ceremony at Andrews Joint Base, before President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office, a guest told the Post.
In a break from a century of tradition, Trump will not be staying to take his successor’s oath and will instead leave the White House and fly to his Mar-A-Lago resort aboard Air Force One at around 8 am , said the source.
Guests were told to arrive at 7:15 am at the Andrews Joint Base in Maryland, where a crowd of several hundred supporters and former officials will bid farewell to Trump when he last leaves Washington as president.
According to Bloomberg News, which first reported the ceremony, guests were told they can invite up to five people and must wear masks at all times.
The details of the event are still being finalized, but a color guard and a 21-shot salute – usually reserved as a military homage – are being considered.
Biden will take the oath outside the United States Capitol at noon, in a reduced ceremony that reflects the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and this month’s deadly siege of Congress.
Only a small number of guests will be allowed inside the heavily barricaded Capitol land, which will be guarded by thousands of National Guard soldiers.
Biden asked his supporters not to travel to DC, and the traditional parade on Pennsylvania Avenue was canceled in favor of a “virtual” parade.
Earlier this month, Trump announced that he would not attend Biden’s inauguration as he continues to claim that the election was stolen from him.
Vice President Mike Pence will be present at the inauguration.