WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will leave Washington next Wednesday morning, just before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, to begin his post-presidential life in Florida.
He will be expelled with an exit ceremony at Andrews Base Station, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on condition of anonymity because Trump’s plans have not been formally announced. Officials consider an elaborate event that would have the feel of a state visit, with a red carpet, a color guard, a military band and a 21-gun salute.
Trump had already announced that he would not attend the inauguration of Biden, a historic break with tradition, after spending months making baseless allegations of electoral fraud in an attempt to delegitimize Biden’s presidency. He will be replaced by Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump will leave Washington two weeks after inciting a violent insurgency, with his supporters storming the Capitol building to try to stop the peaceful transition of power.
Trump is expected to remain in Florida with a small group of aides as he reflects on his future.