Donald Trump leaves White House without attending Joe Biden's inauguration
Outgoing US President Donald Trump leaves the White House shortly before Democrat Joe Biden takes office, in a rare handover of power.
A Marine One helicopter was waiting for the controversial US president and his wife Melania outside the presidential residence to head, according to media reports, to the state of Florida where he has his residence.
Only three presidents have previously refused to attend the inauguration of his successor: John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson were also not present at the formal transfer of power.
Trump leaves the White House pic.twitter.com/fed7XB4I99
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 20, 2021
The shift in power comes amid one of the largest crises the United States has experienced in recent history: an unprecedented pandemic and a severe economic and social crisis.
In a decision that was made known in the last morning of him in the White House, Trump pardoned more than 140 people, among them, allies, rappers and former members of Congress. In the end he did not forgive himself or any member of his family.
Before leaving, Trump was greeted with 21 cannon shots before addressing a small group of supporters to whom he named what he considers to be his greatest achievements as US president.
