Former President Joe Biden Bids Farewell to Washington
Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden wave goodbye to the crowd during the 46th president’s sendoff ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 20, 2025. The former commander in chief delivered remarks on stage to more than 800 guests comprised of his supporters and former staff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)
The former President of the United States, Joe Biden, accompanied by wife Dr. Jill Biden left the Capitol after Trump’s Inauguration and headed to Joint Base Andrews. There Biden gave his farewell remarks and headed on a plane to California with plans to enjoy personal time after half a decade of public service.
Article by Grace Sawyer, Chief White House Producer
MORNINGSIDE, Md. - Former President Joe Biden delivered his farewell remarks to military members and the nation at Joint Base Andrews before ascending the stairs to the Special Air Mission aircraft, part of the Air Force One fleet, and flying to California to spend personal time with Dr. Jill Biden.
At around 1:10pm, former President Biden and first lady Jill Biden exited the Capitol and made their way to Marine One. Newly sworn in President Donald Trump, along with first lady
Melania Trump, escorted the Bidens to the helicopter. They appeared to share hushed words while walking across the plaza, President Trump seemed to have said something and slapped the former President’s arm playfully which earned a returning smile from Biden before he got on the aircraft.
Former President Biden and Dr. Biden were met with a sendoff ceremony when they touched down at Joint Base Andrews near Washington D.C.
Biden, accompanied by his wife, took to the stage to give his farewell remarks. He thanked the military members for their “honesty, decency and integrity” in addition to declaring that there is still much to do.
He quoted his father saying that a person is measured by how quickly they get back up when they’ve been knocked down. This nod goes to a democratic party trying to regain strength and order after being “knocked down.”
He assured that even though, “We’re leaving office, we’re not leaving the fight.”
He mentioned his 50 years of service to the United States which earned cheers and drawn-out applause from the crowd.
“It’s been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he affirmed.
He concluded his speech by thanking the audience from the bottom of his heart and made his way off the stage, where he then continued to say goodbye and thank you to former cabinet members.
He then got onto the aircraft headed for California in seemingly good spirits despite the condemnation of his administration by President Trump after their peaceful transition of power. Earlier on Inauguration Day, former President Biden pardoned many family members as one of his last presidential acts in office.
Similarly, former Vice President and presidential nominee Kamala Harris is headed to California to thank firefighters for their hard work and service on the west coast.
With these remarks, Joe Biden’s nearly half a decade of public service comes to a close.