Trump leaves the White House

INA – SOURCES

President Donald Trump has walked out of the White House for the last time as commander in chief, telling a small crowd gathered on the lawn, "It has been a great honor, the honor of a lifetime."

Trump then boarded Marine One with first lady Melania Trump shortly before 8:20 a.m. The couple saw a stunning view of the National Mall and monuments during their short trip to Joint Base Andrews, where they landed just minutes later.

A departure ceremony will be held at the base before they leave for Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club in Florida.

He has refused to participate in any of the traditions that have been the capstones of the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next. He is skipping not just the ceremony at the Capitol, but also did not invite the Bidens to the White House for a get-to-know-you meeting.