The Pentagon refused to throw President Donald Trump’s requested military-style farewell event as he plans to exit office only hours before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
A person who has discussed the plan with the president told CNN that Trump wanted to leave Washington with a crown of supporters and a military-style sendoff.
But two senior Defense officials said to Defense One that no military farewell is being prepared.
According to several news sources, Trump is still undecided on whether he will leave a letter of advice to the president-elect or host a one-on-one conversation with Biden or his team.
Trump’s advisers have encouraged him to continue the tradition. During his first year in the presidency, he enjoyed showing off to visitors the letter he received from former president Barack Obama, which included the line:
“Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.”
Trump has previously acknowledged a “smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power” to the incoming president.
It is not clear if Trump wanted the farewell parade to take place at his destination in Florida, at the White House, or Joint Base Andrews. However, the Pentagon said that it won’t participate.
Since Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the Department of Defense has held an Armed Forces Farewell tribute for outgoing presidents.
The events include military members getting to see or meet the president and their commander-in-chief showing his appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment.
Biden’s inauguration celebration will be closed to the public due to the Capitol riots that left five people dead after Trump supporters stormed the building.
Over 20,000 National Guard troops were deployed to the US Capitol and they will continue guarding the area until the president-elect inauguration.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!