Trump wants to depart Washington on Inauguration Day while still officially president
Leaving while he is still president will allow Trump to use the presidential plane and use the call sign "Air Force One."
By Joseph Curl
Updated: January 19, 2021 - 10:07am
President Trump plans to depart Washington, D.C., hours before President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday takes the oath of office — and he purportedly wants a presidential-style send-off.
The White House on Sunday sent guidance to reporters seeking to cover his departure. Usually, outgoing presidents attend their successor's inauguration, then helicopter from the lawn of the Capitol to Andrews Air Force Base and board the presidential plane (which is not then called "Air Force One" because that call sign is only when a current president is on board.)
The guidance says Trump will land at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Palm Beach International Airport. That means Trump needs to depart D.C. at about 8 a.m. Once in Florida, he will likely head to his Mar-a-Lago resort.
"Trump told people he did not like the idea of departing Washington for a final time as an ex-president, flying aboard an airplane no longer known as Air Force One," CNN reported. "He also did not particularly like the thought of requesting the use of the plane from Biden, according to a person familiar with the matter."
Trump also reportedly has some big plans for his farewell festivities.
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https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/trump-leave-washington-dc-8-am-inauguration-day-wants-21-gun-salute
