Trump leaves White House, skips Biden's inauguration ceremony
Washington: Donald Trump on Wednesday skipped his successor Joe Biden's inauguration and exited the White House for the last time as the US president to board a flight to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, which will be his permanent home after he failed to win his re-election bid.
Trump, 74, has already announced that he will not attend the inauguration of Biden as President and Kamala Harris as the Vice President, becoming the first president to skip his successor's inauguration since Andrew Johnson in 1869.
Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump emerged out of the White House around 8.12 am local time. Walking down a red carpet rolled out for the departing leader, Trump and Melania both wearing black posed for a picture.
"It was an honour of a lifetime," Trump said before departing the White House.
He said he just wanted to walk over and say "goodbye" and it will "not hopefully be a long goodbye". There is speculation that he might soon announce his 2024 re-election bid.
He left the White House on the Marine One presidential helicopter along with his wife Melania.
Trump, a Republican, became the first US president to lose a re-election bid since 1992. In 1992, George HW Bush failed to win his second bid for the White House.
He hosted a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before catching a final flight on Air Force One to begin post-presidential life at his Mar-a-Lago golf club in Palm Beach.
In his remarks at the Joint Andrews Air Force Base, Trump said: It is my greatest honour and privilege to be your president.
"We have the greatest country in the world," he said. "The future of this country has never been better," Trump said.
You are amazing people. This is a great, great country," Trump said to a crowd of his family and staff. While he wished the next administration "great luck," Trump did not mention President-elect Biden by name.
Will be back in some form, he said amidst loud applause from his supporters. We will see you soon, Trump said. Vice President Mike Pence did not attend Trump's farewell and is instead scheduled to attend Biden's inauguration.
In his last hours, Trump granted clemency to more than 140 people, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, who is facing fraud charges.
He departed when Washington DC is under militarised fortification meant to prevent a repeat of the riot by his supporters earlier this month.
Trump, who has ignored many of the farewell traditions of former administrations, on Tuesday released a video farewell address instead of the typically live, prime-time speech given by past presidents.
Extending his "best wishes" and praying for the success of the new administration in keeping America safe and prosperous, Trump in his farewell address has said that Americans must unify around their shared values and rise above partisan rancour to forge their common destiny.
Trump said he embarked on a mission to make America great again for all Americans.
"I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices because that's what you elected me to do. Your needs were my first and last unyielding focus.
"As I conclude my term as the 45th President of the United States, I stand before you truly proud of what we have achieved together. We did what we came here to do and so much more," he said.
Trump said to serve as the President has been an honour beyond description.
This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck -- a very important word, Trump said on the eve of his departure from the White House for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
In his message that lasted a little less than 20 minutes, Trump addressed the storming of the US Capitol by his supporters on January 6, which is considered as one of the darkest days in the history of American democracy and sought unity from his fellow Americans.
Listing out some of the key accomplishments of his administration from January 20, 2017 to January 20, 2021, Trump said it was more than anyone thought possible.
Trump said as he leaves the White House, he has been reflecting on the dangers that threaten the priceless inheritance all Americans share.
Trump, who lost his re-election bid to Democratic opponent and former US vice president Biden, 78, in a bitterly-fought campaign marked by a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic, never conceded his defeat.
Instead, he made unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in elections, charges dismissed by authorities and some senior members of his own Republican Party. He left the White House with a tainted legacy never seen before in American political history.
Meanwhile, some US media outlets reported that Trump may start a new political party as he was disgusted with Senate Republicans who will soon decide whether the ex-president should be convicted during his impeachment trial.
In his farewell message video, Trump vowed his movement will carry on.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Trump's interest in a new party, saying he would call it the Patriot Party."
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Indian Railways offers meals at Rs 20 and 50 for General Class passengers
Train passengers travelling in unreserved compartments are now getting hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices at stations under a new initiative by the Railways, an official said.
These meal counters are operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters across Indian Railways, and the facility will be expanded further.
“Indian Railways along with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is stepping up to serve passengers, particularly those in unreserved coaches, with a new initiative offering hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices,” the railway official said.
He added, “We anticipate a surge in passenger traffic during the summer months and recognise the challenges faced by those travelling in unreserved compartments (General Class Coaches), who may not always have access to convenient and budget-friendly meal options.” According to Railways, to ensure easy access, these meal counters are conveniently placed near general second class (GS) coaches on platforms.
“There are two categories, the economy meal which costs Rs 20 and the snack meal which comes at Rs 50. Passengers can buy their refreshments directly from these counters, eliminating the need to search for vendors or venture outside the station,” the official said.
He said the service was successfully piloted at about 51 stations last year.
"Building on that success, Railways has significantly expanded the programme, with counters now operational at over 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total. The initiative is slated for further growth, encompassing even more stations in the near future,” the official said.
