Joe Biden snub: Donald Trump’s lavish ‘farewell’ on day of inauguration
DONALD TRUMP is planning a lavish "farewell event" on the day of Joe Biden's inauguration, sources claim.
Donald Trump convinced fans ‘there is no truth’ claims Comey
Mr Biden will be sworn into the White House on January 20. Mr Trump, who refuses to attend, has eye on a celebration of his own at the home of Air Force One, Joint Base Andrews outside Washington.
Sources close to the president said officials are considering an elaborate event with a red carpet, colour guard and 21-gun salute, Associated Press reports.
Mr Trump will then fly to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida after the morning ceremony, they said.
The timing indicates a break in tradition as Mr Trump and First Lady Melania would not be around host Joe and Jill Biden for coffee.
This is a tradition of outgoing couples as they pass over duties.
READ MORE: Joe Biden inauguration: FBI warn of 'concerning' online talk about violent protest plans
Mr Biden, soon to be the nation's 46th president, will stay with Mrs Biden across the street from the White House at official guest residence Blair House.
The leaving ceremony would be an unusual move - as no recent president has had a sendoff at Joint Base Andrews.
The president announced he would not attend his successor’s inauguration on Twitter, shortly before his account was deleted.
Mr Biden dismissed Mr Trump’s refusal to attend his inauguration, telling reporters it is “one of the few things he and I ever agreed on”.
In contrast, outgoing Vice President Mike Pence called his successor Kamala Harris to offer her assistance and to congratulate her.
Mr Biden said Mr Pence is “welcome to come” to the inauguration” and he would “be honoured to have him there”.
Melania Trump and White House staffers have been packing up their belongings.
One White House official told CNN the First Lady ”is not sad to be leaving”.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have also been spotted packing up their Kalorama home in Washington DC.
They couple have recently purchased a $30 million home on Miami's Indian Creek Island.
DON'T MISS
Donald Trump impeachment could BLOCK Biden’s $1.9 trillion Covid plan [INSIGHT]
Trump impeachment: Has a Democrat President ever been impeached? [ANALYSIS]
Democrats Doh! Trump's impeachment for incitement will incite more [VIDEO]