WASHINGTON – Just like that, it’s finished.

On Monday, Joe Biden made his final departure from the White House as president, concluding a remarkable political journey that began with a local council position in Delaware and advanced to the U.S. Senate, the vice presidency, and ultimately the presidency of the United States.

A long procession of black limousines and SUVs moved down the White House North Lawn driveway at 10:39 a.m., passing through the iron gates of the presidential residence on their way to the U.S. Capitol.

Inside the presidential limousine sat Biden, experiencing his last journey as the leader of the free world. Accompanying him was President-elect Donald Trump, who was set to take the oath of office and take over as president at noon.

Four years prior, Biden made the same 10-minute journey to the Capitol without his predecessor.

In contrast, Trump, upset by his electoral defeat to Biden, departed the White House that morning on a presidential helicopter, choosing to skip the inauguration events for his successor—a long-standing tradition followed by outgoing presidents. He was in Palm Beach, Florida, when Biden was sworn in.

Biden, who values traditions and the framework of government, stated that Americans appreciate the peaceful transition of power. Thus, on Monday, he rode to the Capitol alongside Trump, whose two nonconsecutive terms would bracket Biden’s single four-year presidency.

When reporters inquired about his feelings before leaving, Biden simply replied: “Good. It’s a beautiful day.”

Biden to Trump: ‘Welcome home’

The change in leadership began early on Monday, with Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcoming Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, at the White House for a ceremonial tea.

As Trump emerged from an SUV at the North Portico, Biden greeted him with a warm, “Welcome home.”

The Trumps ascended the steps of the White House together, holding hands.

Melania Trump had arrived at the White House at the start of her husband’s first term carrying a Tiffany Blue box for Barack and Michelle Obama, but she arrived empty-handed this time.

The friendly embraces and warm gestures from the Obamas during their handover were notably missing during this exchange with the Bidens, which was characterized by a more stiff and formal handshake.

Trump adjusted the button on his overcoat yet ultimately left it undone as the couples posed for photographs. Meanwhile, Melania Trump shielded her hat from strong winds as they all entered the presidential residence.

At the top of the White House, the American flag was flown at half-staff in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who had passed away the previous December. Trump had previously objected to the flag being lowered to coincide with his inauguration.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ exit from her residence at the Naval Observatory was a more subdued event. She and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, shared their public goodbyes on Thursday while Harris continued the tradition of signing the desk in her Ceremonial Office. Staff and former members of her team packed the ornate room.

Except for one exception, every vice president since 1960 has used this office; it will become the workplace for JD Vance next.

Harris lost the 2024 election to Trump after taking over as the Democratic nominee following Biden. Her political future remains uncertain as she contemplates a gubernatorial run in California in 2026.

“I don’t usually go quietly into the night,” she said with a smile while signing at her desk. “So don’t worry about that.”

A representative for Harris indicated that the former California attorney general and U.S. senator would determine her next career steps after the inauguration. She and Emhoff planned to fly to Los Angeles on Monday. The couple owns a home in Brentwood, which had faced evacuation orders due to wildfires. California will serve as their primary residence moving forward.

Following Trump’s inauguration, the Bidens and Trumps exited from the Capitol’s East Front and made their way to a waiting Blackhawk military helicopter.

After exchanging handshakes and farewells, the Bidens boarded the helicopter for a brief flight to Joint Base Andrews in suburban Maryland. There, the now-former president addressed a cheering crowd of former staffers.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” he expressed, thanking his team “for the sacrifices you’ve made” and “for being part of this journey.”

“Never, never, never give up,” he encouraged.

Biden departed the stage amid chants of “Thank you, Joe!” and walked towards a blue-and-white 747. Before stepping inside the aircraft, he paused for a final wave goodbye.

The plane took off at 1:56 p.m., carrying Biden – now a private citizen – towards a vacation in California.

Michael Collins and Francesca Chambers report on the White House. Follow Collins on X @mcollinsNEWS and Chambers @fran_chambers.