US President Donald Trump left the White House in a presidential helicopter heading to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, 24 km from central Washington, where the US Air Force plane No. 1 awaits him.

Before boarding the helicopter, Trump gave a short speech in which he described his tenure as “the greatest honor of his life,” and wished that his farewell to the White House would not be for long.

Trump will travel on Air Force One to his home in Florida.

Trump becomes the first president of the United States to miss the inauguration of his successor since Andrew Johnson, who led the country from 1865 to 1869.

Trump left the White House from the South Lawn for the last time by helicopter to Andrews Base and then to Florida, to be transferred to Florida by Air Force One.

Before leaving Washington, Trump said: "It was a remarkable period in which we achieved a lot, and what was achieved was amazing by all standards, during which we worked to rebuild the American armed forces."

And counting the achievements of his era, Trump said: "We achieved record numbers in the field of jobs before Corona, and the stock markets achieved good numbers despite the pandemic."

Amid applause from his supporters, Trump continued, saying, "We have the greatest country and the greatest economy in the world. We have faced many obstacles and they have been overcome."

He added, "We have worked to rebuild the American armed forces," wishing "success for the new administration that has ready foundations." He concluded by saying, "I will continue to fight for you and for the future of America," thanking his deputy, "Mike Pence and some members of the Senate."

The Pentagon had announced a shortening of the military parade for President Donald Trump's departure from the White House.