Donald Trump has departed the White House for the last time as president.
Mr Trump, joined by first lady Melania Trump, exited the executive mansion onto the South Lawn shortly before 815am.
A small group of reporters and administration staffers stood behind a rope line.
Mr Trump made brief comments over the roar of the rotor blades saying it “was the honour of a lifetime” and mouthed “thank you” to the press.
He added that he just wants to “say goodbye” and “we love the American people”.
CNN reports that he added: “It won’t be a long goodbye.”
The Trumps travelled on Marine One for the short trip to Joint Base Andrews, where the president made remarks to a crowd of supporters before they boarded Air Force One for a final flight to Palm Beach, Florida.
The presidential helicopter did a brief lap around Washington, DC, including over the Capitol, before heading towards the airbase.
At Andrews the president and first lady took to the stage smiling and waving. The Trump family and close aides stood nearby and were first to be thanked by Mr Trump.
“People have no idea how hard this family worked. They worked and they worked for you. They could’ve had a much easier life.”
After he thanked the first lady for her “great grace and beauty and dignity”, Ms Trump made brief remarks of her own, thanking everyone for their love and support.
In his own speech, Mr Trump admitted: “We were not a regular administration.”
He touted his record in unscripted remarks, but in the style of many of his campaign appearances.
“I will always fight for you. I will be watching. I will be listening,” Mr Trump said.
“I wish the new administration great luck and great success,” he said before claiming credit for laying the groundwork of any economic rebound that may come after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
He immediately added: “I think they’ll have great success, they have the foundation… we put it in a position like it’s never been before.”
Mr Trump also thanked Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence with whom a rift has reportedly formed since the 6 January attack on the US Capitol.
“This is goodbye, but we will be back in some form,” the president said. “So have a good life. We will see you soon.”
YMCA by the Village people then blared from the speakers.
President-elect Joe Biden will take the oath of office at midday becoming the 46th president of the United States.
(www.newsnow.co.uk)
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