Meanwhile in MAGA land...Trump arrives at Mar-a-Lago with Melania (who's Florida-ready in a Gucci kaftan) after leaving Biden a 'personal' note at the White House and vowing we haven't seen the last of him in his final speech as President
Melania Trump hung up her First Lady heels at the first opportunity on Wednesday by changing into a comfortable and colorful kaftan and some flat shoes before emerging from Air Force One at Mar-a-Lago to settle into her new Floridian life.
She and former President Trump were both in high spirits as they left the aircraft before getting into waiting cars to be driven to their home along with the rest of the family.
It was a much brighter and lighter scene than their final appearance in Washington, where Trump said: 'We will be back in some form' and told fans to 'have a good life' before boarding Air Force One while Joe Biden was waiting to be inaugurated.
The Trumps are the first President and First Lady to snub his successor's inauguration since the 1800s. While they landed in Florida, the Obamas, Bushes and Clintons watched in awe as Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga serenaded a crowd of 1,000 at the Capitol before Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in.
In his first address as President, Biden promised to serve 'all Americans' and called for an end to the 'civil war' that is dividing the country.
Before emerging from Air Force One, Melania, who wore a black Chanel suit and $70,000 Hermes bag with a pair of towering Christian Louboutin heels in the morning, had changed into a more comfortable and colorful $3,700 Gucci dress and a pair of $550 Roger Vivier flat pumps.
Donald and Melania Trump arrive in Florida on Air Force One after leaving Washington DC while Joe Biden was inaugurated on Wednesday
Melania swapped out of her Christian Louboutin heels into a pair of navy flat pumps to make her way to the couple's home
The couple did not hold hands like they did in Washington but they both appeared to be in high spirits as they arrived in Florida
Outgoing US President Donald Trump waves to supporters lined along on the route to his Mar-a-Lago estate on January 20, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida
Trump waves to supporters lined along on the route to his Mar-a-Lago estate on January 20, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle leave Air Force One with Lara and Eric Trump behind them
Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer for the president in his final moments as POTUS. Supporters gathered along the path to Trump's Mar a Lago club on Palm Beach
A detail of a car decorated in outgoing US President Donald Trump as his supporters await his return to Florida along the route leading to his Mar-a-Lago estate on January 20, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida
Supporters of President Donald Trump, Jennifer Aiello, left, Ron Raven dance as they wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach estate, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
Supporters of President Donald Trump wave as they wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach estate, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
A supporter of President Donald Trump waits for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach estate, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in West Palm Beach
The farewell at Andrews resembled one of Trump’s infamous campaign rallies, ending with ‘YMCA’ – the song Trump would depart to – as supporters cheered ‘USA, USA, USA.’
My Way, which Trump and Melania danced to at his 2017 inaugural ball, played as Air Force One took off.
The president paused at times in his remarks. While he did not show tears, he appeared to feel the weight of the occasion while taking time to enjoy the final moments of his time in office. He notably did not mention the name of incoming President Joe Biden.
‘Hail to Chief’ played as Trump and Melania - who was wearing a Chanel jacket, sunglasses and carrying a $70,000 black crocodile Hermes Birkin bag - walked from Marine One to the platform where the president addressed the crowd.
‘We love you,’ the supporters yelled as Trump took the stage after arriving while his children watched proudly.
‘We accomplished a lot,’ Trump said. ‘We worked hard. We left it all - as the athletes would say - we left it in the field.’
People take selfies and photos with Air Force One in the background at Palm Beach Airport before it departs for DC again
Air Force One promptly flew back to Washington after delivering the Trumps on Wednesday. The nuclear 'football' was on board and being guarded by the military
He left behind a last-minute flurry of pardons, including to Steve Bannon, the indicted one-time White House Svengali, Trump-backing rapper Lil’ Wayne and a convicted stalker friend of his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Also left on the field was a shattered Republican Party, whose top ranks are torn apart by his second impeachment. In the dying days of his presidency, Trump floated starting his own ‘Patriot Party’ from his Mar-a-Lago home.
He told his supporters, who he hopes to harness as a power force in future elections, that he will be there for them.
‘I will always fight for you. I will be watching, I will be listening and I will tell you the future of the country has never been better. I wish the new administration great luck and great success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular and in a position like it has never been,’ he said.
He has reportedly discussed forming another party, known as the Patriot Party, to continue his political career.
Melania Trump, wearing black, briefly addressed the crowd. She wore a Chanel, military-style jacket and had her hair pinned up for her final appearance as first lady.
‘Being first lady was my greatest honor. Thank you for your support. You will be my thoughts and prayers, god bless you all, god bless the family and god bless this beautiful nation,’ she said.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday morning. The pair held hands as they made their way to a stage to deliver their final remarks as President and First Lady
First lady Melania Trump watches as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 20, 2021
Trump gives his farewell speech at Andrews Air Force Base in the last hours of his Presidency. He said it had been an 'honor and a privilege'
Melania Trump and Donald Trump wave to their supporters as they board Air Force One for the last time on Wednesday
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base after giving speeches
Donald Trump flies to Florida from Joint Base Andrews after a turbulent end to his presidency
US First Lady Melania Trump speaks before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet the crowd before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
With Air Force One in the background, Donald and Melania Trump smile and wave to their family and supporters while music plays in the background. 'My Way', which is what played at Trump's inaugural ball in 2017, played as the plane took off
So long! Trump and Melania wave goodbye as they board Air Force One on Wednesday for the last time
Ivanka fought tears as she listened to her father give his final speech as President on Wednesday
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner watch as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S.
Jared Kushner kisses Ivanka Trump on the cheek while they wait to board Air Force One on Wednesday
All of Trump's children were present with their spouses and partners, including newly-engaged Tiffany Trump. While the adults weren't wearing masks, Jared and Ivanka's two sons were
Ivanka Trump attends the departure ceremony of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 20, 2021
Theodore Kushner, the four-year-old grandson U.S. President Donald Trump, holds his ears as Marine One lands prior to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Ivanka Trump beams as she prepares to take her seat at Joint Base Andrews. She wore a $2994 Altuzarra coat
In free-styling remarks, Trump did not use a teleprompter, he listed some of his accomplishments.
‘Our people are happy, military is thrilled.
'We got tax cuts, the largest tax cut and reform in the history of the country by far. Hope they don't raise your taxes. If they do I told you so,’ he said.
He mentioned the number of votes he received in the election but, notably, did not say he was the winner – an argument he made repeatedly after Joe Biden’s win was certified.
‘A lot of obstacles, we went to the obstacles and you get 75 million votes in the history of sitting presidents.
It is an all-time record by a lot by many millions, really just an honor,’ he said.
And he paid a short tribute to those who died from the coronavirus, which dominated his last year in office. More than 400,000 Americans died from the disease.
‘We have to do is pay our respects and our love to the incredible people and families who suffered so gravely from the China virus. It is a horrible thing, we all know where it came from but it is a horrible horrible thing so be very careful, be very very careful. We want to pay great love, great love to all the people that have suffered including families who have suffered so greatly,’ he said.
After the ceremony, Trump hugged his children and grand children, who stood the side of stage. He waved to the crowd, walking through an honor guard hand in hand with Melania, taking it all in.
The first couple climbed the stairs of Air Force One and waved goodbye.
The Trump children followed them up the stairs.
It’s unclear what’s next for the outgoing president, who timed his departure so he could land in Florida while the plane carried the call sign ‘Air Force One’ – which can only be sued when the current president is on board.
A smaller-than-usual crowd of guests including former Presidents and lawmakers will attend the inauguration ceremony in a socially-distanced manner instead.
The inaugural theme for this year's ceremony, 'America United', aims to restore the 'soul of America', bring the nation together and create a 'path to a brighter future', according to the incoming administration.
Meanwhile, in Washington: Joe Biden gives his Presidential Address after being sworn in as the 46th President on January 20
Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration
Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden embraces his family First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, son Hunter Biden and daughter Ashley after being sworn in during his inauguration on the West Front
Jennifer Lopez with Vice President Kamala Harris during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2021
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has announced a series of events to be broadcast throughout Inauguration Day that Americans can watch live from home as people have been ordered to refrain from attending in person.
In lieu of the usual crowds, approximately 191,500 flags will cover the National Mall in honor of those unable to travel to Washington due to the pandemic.
Three hours before Biden will be sworn in as the 46th U.S. President, he will be attending mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral with members of the House and Senate at 8:45am.
Guests will then begin arriving on the steps of the Capitol at around 11am.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, organizers have slashed attendance from 200,000 down to just 1,000 people.
Most members of Congress are expected to be in attendance (and have all been permitted plus-ones), as are three of the four living former presidents: Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton, were also be present.
Ivanka Trump hugs White House adviser Stephen Miller as Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump and their children wait for President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base. None of them were wearing masks
Newly engaged Tiffany Trump with her fiance Michael Boulus waiting for her father at Joint Base Andrews. She flashed her $1.2million, 13-carat engagement ring
Michael Boulus, Tiffany Trump, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr waiting for President Trump on Wednesday
Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle waves next to him at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 20, 2021
Eric Trump and his wife Lara arrive for outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's departure at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021
Don Jr. and Kimberly, Lara and Eric and Tiffany and her fiancee got on Air Force One but Jared and Ivanka did not. A member of the military was seen carrying the nuclear football on board, right
U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, walks at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 20, 2021
Trump received a 21-gun salute at Andrews before he boarded Air Force One. He was denied a farewell parade in Washington
J President Donald Trump speaks to his supporters prior to boarding Air Force One to head to Florida on January 20, 2021 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Supporters of US President Donald Trump receive US flags at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, as they gather for Trump's departure on January 20, 2021
People hold their cell phones as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to supporters on Inauguration Day for Joe Biden at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
While the Trumps left Washington, President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attended mass at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (R) and her husband Doug Emhoff (L) attend services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with Congressional leaders prior the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC
Vice President Mike Pence arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC
Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama arrive before the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President in Washington, DC, USA, 20 January 2021
Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive during the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President in Washington, DC, USA, 20 January 2021
Former U.S. President Barack Obama greets Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) as he and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
epa08952049 Former US President Bill Clinton (L) and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) arrive to the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao attend services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with Congressional leaders
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul Pelosi attend services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with Congressional leaders prior the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC
US singer Lady Gaga arrives for the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden at the US Capitol on January 20, 2021
Former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021
As seen from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, preparations are made before the 59th Presidential Inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington
Trump faces a second impeachment trial in the Senate, which could result in him never being able to run for office again if he’s found guilty.
Barack Obama tweeted on Wednesday morning to congratulate Biden, who served as his Vice President
But he’s likely to use his supporters to be a force in the party, particularly primary elections where he has vowed vengeance against those Republicans he felt did not support him.
In a glaring split-screen moment defining the end of the Trump years, Joe Biden was about to leave Blair House, the White House’s official guest house, to go to mass with his wife Jill and Congressional leaders.
Trump was flying to Joint Base Andrews to speak in front of Air Force One to a small crowd of supporters. His adult children waited for him there.
Trump's early departure for Florida has caused a logistical and security nightmare since he is taking with him the nuclear codes. They will then be flown back to DC to be handed over to Biden this afternoon.
On Tuesday night, Trump made one of his final acts in office granting pardons to dozens of rappers, millionaires and strategists, including his old friend Steve Bannon.
This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and fears of a security threat, the mall - where thousands normally line up to greet the new President and First Lady - will be closed to the public.
Treasury Secretary-nominee Janet Yellen sits in a chair before the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday
Rep. Eric Swalwell (L) (D-CA) and Biden's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden
Donald and Melania Trump leave the White House on Wednesday morning for the last time to be taken to Air Force One. He thanked the reporters there, saying it had been the 'honor of a lifetime' to serve as President
The pair spoke briefly to the media before they boarded Marine One. Trump will give a lengthier speech at Joint Base Andrews
Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump speak to the media depart the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he walks to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington
Over and out: Trump waved to the press before he boarded Marine One at the White House on Wednesday morning
Marine One lands at the White House to collect President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for the last time to take them to Joint Base Andrews where they will board Air Force Once to fly to Mar-a-Lago ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration
Marine One flies by the Washington Monument on its way to the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021, for the departure of US President Donald Trump
A moving truck drives away from the West Wing of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, on Wednesday January 20
Aids carry boxes to Marine One before President Donald Trump leaves the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
White House staff members carry boxes to Marine One before President Donald Trump leaves the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
The White House was plunged mostly in darkness on Wednesday morning as the Trumps moved out ahead of Biden's inauguration
The only lights on were in the Residence and parts of the West Wing, where movers were seen loading up trucks
Some staffers were seen working at the White House before the sun rose on Wednesday morning
The empty office of the White House press secretary is empty in the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington
In the Lower Press Office, staffers left behind magazines with Trump on the cover
A keyboard and mouse are wrapped in plastic waiting for the new Press Secretary on Wednesday morning
A newspaper addressed to White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany lies on a table in an empty Upper Press Office area prior to U.S. President Donald Trump's departure ahead of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden
The office of the White House press secretary sits empty prior to U.S. President Donald Trump's departure ahead of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden, in Washington, U.S. January 20, 2021
Roll out the red carpet one more time: Air Force members get ready for the last time the president will walk up the steps of Air Force One
Last flight: Donald Trump can never again fly on Air Force One - the call sign is only used when the president is on board
In place: The red carpet is laid down at the steps to Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for the flight to Mar-a-Lago
Honor guard ready: A military escort including soldiers and sailors waits beside the red carpet at Joint Base Andrews
All this will be Joe's: The next time Air Force One flies it will have the new president on board. The Air Force 747 will fly back from Mar-a-Lago after Biden is sworn in and be ready for him at Joint Base Andrews
A Trump aide with a suitcase walks past the red carpet at Air Force One to head for the back steps
President Trump will not be attending.
He confirmed his absence in a tweet earlier this month shortly before he was permanently suspended from the social media platform.
Instead, Trump will leave DC on Air Force One at around 8am, with his destination set for his Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.
He is set to become the first president in more than a century to not attend his successor's inauguration. Only three presidents have previously abstained, with the last, Andrew Johnson, coming in 1869.
Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, has confirmed he will be attending, along with his wife, Karen.
President Trump will not be attending. He confirmed his absence in a tweet earlier this month shortly before he was permanently suspended from the social media platform.
Instead, Trump will leave DC on Air Force One at around 8am, with his destination set for his Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.
He is set to become the first president in more than a century to not attend his successor's inauguration. Only three presidents have previously abstained, with the last, Andrew Johnson, coming in 1869.
Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, has confirmed he will be attending, along with his wife, Karen.
The inauguration ceremony will commence with remarks from Father Leo J. O'Donovan, a longtime friend of the Biden family and former president of Georgetown University.
Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia, will then recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
A number of live performances are also scheduled to take place throughout the ceremony.
The first on the bill is Lady Gaga, who will sing the national anthem. The singer previously teamed with Biden on domestic violence issues during his two terms as Vice President and also campaigned for him in the 2020 election.
Amanda Gorman, who became the U.S.'s first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, will then recite a poem she has written for the occasion, titled: 'The Hill We Climb.'
Much like the incoming president, Gorman also once had a speech impediment that she has worked hard to overcome.
She has also recently announced plans to run for president in 2036 – the first year in which she will be eligible.
Jennifer Lopez will then follow Gorman's reading with a song, as will singer-songwriter Garth Brooks.
The performances with then conclude with a benediction from longtime Biden family friend, Rev. Silvester Beaman, of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to Biden shortly after the clock strikes noon.
Biden will take the oath with his hand on top of his 127-year-old, five-inch-thick family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first black and the first South Asian American vice president, will then take the oath immediately after.
Harris is due to be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the bench of the Supreme Court.
Like Harris, Sotomayor is a former prosecutor. She previously administered the oath to Biden when he was sworn in for his second term as Vice President in 2013.
Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles — one that belonged to a close family friend named Regina Shelton and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the country's first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Trump on Tuesday night granted sweeping pardons to his friends, rapper and millionaires, who have been charged for an array of crimes.
