WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will leave Washington next Wednesday morning, shortly before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, to begin his post-presidential life in Florida.
He will be expelled with a departure ceremony at Andrews Joint Base, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on condition of anonymity because Trump’s plans were not formally announced. Authorities are considering an elaborate event that would feel like a state visit, with a red carpet, color guard, military band and 21-shot salute, all being discussed.
Trump had previously announced that he would not attend Biden’s inauguration – a historic break from tradition – after spending months making baseless allegations of electoral fraud in an attempt to delegitimize Biden’s presidency. Vice President Mike Pence will appear in his place.
Trump will leave Washington two weeks after inciting a violent uprising, with his supporters breaking into the Capitol building in an attempt to prevent the peaceful transition of power.
Trump is expected to stay in Florida with a small group of advisers while meditating on his future.