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Donald Trump is the First President to Skip Inauguration in More Than 150 Years
Former President Donald Trump spent his last minutes as leader of the country by opting to skip President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony.
Instead of attending the oath-taking ceremony, the former president waited for the change of administrations at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. This makes Trump the first in more than 150 years to skip the inauguration of his successor.
The last time a president skipped his successor’s inauguration was in 1869. Back then, former President Andrew Johnson, who was impeached, decided to not attend Ulysses S. Grant’s oath-taking.
Apart from Trump and Johnson, former presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams also decided to avoid going to the inauguration of their successors.
Before heading to Florida, the former president participated in a farewell ceremony on Wednesday morning. It took place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. There, he talked to reporters and delivered a 9-minute speech, recounting the highlights of his presidential career as well as some of his plans.
Trump to Remain in Politics?
Trump suggested that he plans on remaining in politics. He said, “We will be back in some form.”
“Have a good life,” Trump also stated. “We will see you soon.”
The former president opted to leave his two impeachments unmentioned. Additionally, he also did not mention his actions regarding the pandemic. However, he did tell his supporters to take care as the world continues to fight the coronavirus.
In his speech, Trump also did not mention Biden directly by name. Although, the outgoing president alluded to him, jokingly saying: “I hope they don’t raise your taxes … but if they do, I told you so.”
While he did not attend Biden’s inauguration, Trump wished the new president’s administration “great luck and great success.” Additionally, he left a letter for Biden at the White House, as is the custom.
Air Force One took off at 9 a.m. local time and arrived in South Florida a few minutes before 11 a.m.
Trump arrived at his Florida property, still will presidential powers. Shortly after he did, he granted one last pardon for Albert Pirro Jr, the ex-husband of Fox News host Judge Jeanine Pirro, who was convicted for charges of tax evasion and conspiracy.
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