First lady Melania Trump gave a brief farewell to the Trump supporters who gathered at Joint Base Andrews for a final message from the outgoing president before he left for Florida with his family.
“Our first lady has been a woman of great grace and beauty and dignity and so popular with the people, so popular with the people — in fact, honey, would you like to say a few words?” President Trump said.
“Being your first lady was my greatest honor,” Melania Trump told the crowd. “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.”
After their address, the outgoing first couple exchanged hugs and handshakes with his children and their families before boarding Air Force One for the last time.
The Trumps left the base for the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, breaking a tradition dating back to 1877 of outgoing presidents attending the inaugurations of their successors.
In a recorded message released earlier this week, Melania Trump called her time in the White House “unforgettable” and said she was “inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness, and grace.”
“As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination,” the first lady said. “No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the privilege of having served as your first lady.”
