Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump speak at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021. They headed to their Mar-a-Lago golf club residence in Palm Beach, Florida, skipping the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
US President Donald Trump greets supporters as Marine One touches down at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before leaving for Florida, skipping Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Before addressing the crowd, cannons fire a salute.
President Donald Trump speaks before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Trump and First Lady Melania flew to his Mar-a-Lago golf club residence in Palm Beach, Florida, skipping the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
“This has been an incredible four years. We’ve accomplished so much together,” Trump says, beginning an unscripted address in which he does not mention President-elect Biden by name.
After praising his family, Trump touts his time in office, highlighting increased military spending, tax cuts and deregulations, among other policy measures, and the “medical miracle” of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed in nine months.
Ivanka Trump (R), husband Jared Kushner (C), their children, Eric (R) and Donald Jr. (2nd R), Tiffany Trump (L) and Trump family members stand on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland as they arrive for US President Donald Trump’s departure on January 20, 2021. (ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
“You’re going to see incredible numbers start coming in,” he says, referring to an expected surge in economic growth when the pandemic abates. “Remember us when you see these things.”
Summing up his time in office, he says, “we’ve left it all on the field.”
“You are amazing people, this is a great, great country,” he says, noting it has been “an honor and privilege to have been your president.”
He adds: “I will always fight for you. I will be watching. I will be listening.”
Outgoing US President Donald Trump speaks at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021. He and wife Melania headed to their Mar-a-Lago golf club residence in Palm Beach, Florida, skipping the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
“The future of this country has never been better. I wish the new administration great luck and great success. I think they’ll have great success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular.”
“Goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form,” he says.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are greeted by Ivanka Trump (2nd R), husband Jared Kushner (R), their children, Eric (C-R) and Donald Jr. (C-L), Tiffany Trump and other Trump family members on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021. (ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
Trump goes on to thank Vice President Pence, who is not present, and Congress.
“Have a good life. We will see you soon,” he concludes, ending his remarks as “YMCA” blares in the background.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021. They flew to his Mar-a-Lago golf club residence in Palm Beach, Florida, skipping the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. (ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
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Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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