Trump hands back keys to the White House as lease unrenewed
DONALD Trump farewelled the White House with an uncharacteristically presidential video statement talking up his achievements and pledging that the political movement he spawned was “only just beginning”.
Describing the fact that he had “started no wars” and had stood up to China “like never before” as his proudest achievements, Mr Trump shared what were likely his last public comments as president about 20 hours before his successor Joe Biden was to be inaugurated.
“Four years ago we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens,” Mr Trump said in the 19-minute video.
“In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.
“As I conclude my term as the 45th president of the United States,
I stand before you truly proud of what we have achieved together.”
Mr Trump leaves office as only the 11th single-term president, with his polling at record lows and the majority of Americans unhappy with his refusal to accept his November election loss and how he handled the transition of power to Democrat Joe Biden.
He and wife Melania Trump were scheduled to leave Washington early Wednesday morning local time for their final flight aboard Air
Force One to their new base in Florida.
The Trumps moved their home to their Palm Beach resort and country club, Mar-a-Lago, in October 2019, with the then president declaring that he no longer wanted to live in Manhattan.
It’s unclear how exactly Mr Trump will spend his coming days but speculation includes that he will build his own new media company or that he will return to his real-estate and hotel business.