US elections: Trump will leave Washington before Biden takes office

US President Donald Trump will leave Washington DC next Wednesday morning (Thursday NZT), just before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration the following day, to begin his post-presidential life in Florida.

He will be kicked out with a departure ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on condition of anonymity because Trump’s plans have not been formally announced.

Officials are considering 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 all under discussion.

Trump had already announced that he would not attend Biden’s inauguration, a historic break with tradition, after spending months making unfounded allegations of voter fraud in an attempt to delegitimize Biden’s presidency.

Vice President Mike Pence will attend the inauguration in the President’s place.

Trump will leave Washington two weeks after he incited a violent insurrection and his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to stop the peaceful transition of power.

His impeachment in the House of Representatives is now heading for a Senate trial, which will not begin until Biden is sworn in as the new president.

Trump is expected to remain in Florida with a small group of aides as he reflects on his future.