Donald Trump
Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump talk to the press as they depart the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021.

Donald Trump will not be attending President-elect Joe Biden’s historic inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, January 20. He initially informed his 88 million Twitter followers of this on January 8, becoming one of seven US Presidents to miss their successor’s swearing-in ceremony. That same day, the social networking service permanently banned his account for violating the company’s rules pertaining to its Civic Integrity and Violent Threats policies.

Well aware that he wouldn’t be participating in the historic event, the nation has spent the past few weeks speculating what his official exit from the White House would look like. But, rather casually, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump stepped out of the White House around 8 am EST on Wednesday and walked a short red carpet before speaking with the press. Then, they turned and strolled hand-in-hand across the White House lawn and stepped onto the Marine One helicopter without looking back.

For her last outfit as the first lady of the United States, Melania wore a somber all-black ensemble comprised of a Chanel jacket, a Dolce & Gabanna dress, Christian Louboutin heels, black gloves, and a Hermès Birkin bag. She completed the look with oversized sunglasses and wore her hair in a low bun.

Donald Trump
Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump talk to the press as they depart the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021.

Before departing for his private Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, the pair stopped at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to address a crowd of supporters. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were in attendance.

“We will be back in some form,” Trump said, before boarding Air Force One for the last time. “So have a good life. We will see you soon.”