Trump touts administration, ends vacation early
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered a yearend video message Thursday after returning early from vacation, highlighting his administration’s work to rapidly develop a vaccine against COVID-19 and rebuild the economy.
As the end of his presidency neared, Trump cut short his stay at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida and got back to the White
House a day ahead of schedule.
Upon his return, Trump released a video message over Twitter to underscore his administration’s work on the vaccine, economic stimulus checks and America’s “grit, strength and tenacity” in the face of challenges.
He called the vaccine, which is rolling out nationwide, a “truly unprecedented medical miracle” and said it would be available to every American early in the new year. “We have to be remembered for what’s been done,” Trump said in the nearly five-minute message.
The White House didn’t give a reason for Trump’s early return, and the schedule change means Trump will miss the glitzy New Year’s Eve party held annually at his Palm Beach club.
The White House announced the change in the president’s schedule late Wednesday, hours after Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he would raise objections next week when Congress meets to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the November election.
Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, arrived at Mar-a-Lago late on Dec. 23 and spent practically the entire vacation focused on subverting the election results. That includes an effort to get Republican lawmakers to challenge the vote when Congress meets Wednesday to affirm Biden’s 306-232 victory in the Electoral College.