Trump says 'we'll be back in some form' in emotional farwell speech with Melania at Joint Base Andrews
Soon after Donald Trump and Melania alighted from Marine One at the Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, they were met by a small crowd that cheered and rooted for the outgoing president. Taking the stage to a soundtrack straight from his campaign trail, Trump delivered a speech that was constantly complimented and cheered upon by the crowd. He started off by thanking the crowd and his family for all the services they had offered the country. The ceremony began with a military band playing "Hail to the chief" and a 21-gun salute.
"People have no idea how hard this family has worked, they worked hard for you," he said. "I want to thank you for your effort, your hard work - people have no idea how hard this family worked and they worked for you. They could have had a much easier life but they did a fantastic job."
He also gave the stage briefly to Melania, who said, "Being your First Lady was my greatest honor. Thank you for your love and support. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all, God bless your families and God bless this beautiful nation," she said. Trump took the stage again and spoke about his achievements, stressing on the coronavirus and how the pandemic affected his administration and the country as a whole.
“Everything is complex, be careful,” he said, and then took pre-emptive credit for "incredible numbers" that would be racked up by the Biden administration. He also spoke about the coronavirus vaccine that was developed in nine months and termed it as "a medical miracle." He added his administration was not a regular one and what they did was amazing by any standard. Trump said he and his team had "left it all on the field", and will not be saying to themselves they could have worked harder.
"You are amazing people and this is a great, great country it is an honor and privilege to have been your president," while the crowd chanted "Thank you, Trump" quite regularly. He also said he would be watching and listening and that the future of the US was great. "We will be back, in some form," he said leaving an open-ended exit to his presidency. He also brought up the vets, the Space Force in his speech. "We love you. I can tell you that from the bottom of my heart. This has been an incredible four years. We've accomplished so much together," he said.
The final shot was of him and Melania climbing up the steps of the Air Force One, turning back to applaud and wave to the gathered crowd.
Earlier, news channels captured Trump leaving the White House. Although he was supposed to be reaching the military base in Maryland at 8:10 am, the helicopter that was slated to take off with the Trumps was still parked on the south lawn at 8:11 am. Media outlets observed Trump and Melania holding hands and walking out and of the White House. "It has been a great honor and an amazing four years," he said, as the couple made their way to Marine One.