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Donald Trump made a farewell speech on his final day as president of the United States, and in typical fashion, made a number of false statements in the process.
The US president, who was speaking from Joint Base Andrews outside Washington DC shortly before taking off for Florida, told a small crowd of family and associates that his presidency was “amazing by any standard”.
Among those absent from the send off was the outgoing vice president, Mike Pence, who will instead attend Joe Biden’s inauguration.
“We were not a regular administration,” said Mr Trump, who claimed that his administration oversaw “such good job numbers” that were “absolutely incredible”.
However, unemployment has almost doubled while he has been president, with 6.7 per cent of Americans currently without work. That number reached 14 per cent in April last year - the highest since the Great Depression.
And in December, the American economy lost more jobs than at any point since April - at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic last spring.
“Had we not been hit by the pandemic, we would’ve had numbers that never would have been seen,” Mr Trump continued.
”Already, the numbers are the best ever if you look at what happened until February a year ago. Our numbers were at a level nobody had ever seen before”.
Addressing the pandemic, which he called “the China virus”, Mr Trump said “it was a horrible thing that was put on to the world. We all know where it came from, but it's a horrible, horrible thing.”
The US was “hit so hard, just like the entire world was hit so hard,” he added, as he appeared to deflect blame for more than 400,000 American deaths - the world’s highest toll.
Mr Trump continued, and claimed that almost 300 federal judges were appointed during his time in office, something for which he said “we’re very proud of” and was a “record breaking number”.
Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In picturesShow all 83 1 /83Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump descend Marine One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures First Lady Melania Trump speaks before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The "Field of flags" is seen on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building ahead of inauguration ceremonies
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump (R) and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One during a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are greeted by Ivanka Trump (2nd R), husband Jared Kushner (R), their children, Eric (C-R) and Donald Jr. (C-L), Tiffany Trump and other Trump family members on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump addresses guests at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend a church service before his presidential inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga arrives for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Scenes from the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. National Guardsmen look on in Washington, DC
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Security is set up along Pennsylvania Avenue before the 59th Presidential Inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Donald Trump gestures as he and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House to board Marine One
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Eric Trump and his wife Lara arrive for outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's departure at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Riot equipment lays ready
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A supporter of President Donald Trump waits for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach estate
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald J. Trump (R) and US First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrives at the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is seen on the phone
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, right, and his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions for Trump Organization Inc., left, and his partner Kimberly Guilfoyle, arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of US President Donald J. Trump wave American flags prior to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Ivanka Trump, senior adviser to President Trump, Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, and their children arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Flags decorate the "Field of Flags" at the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Heidi Forte, middle, with other supporters of President Donald Trump wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Members of the National Guard patrol the streets ahead of the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump, left, and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of President Donald Trump, Jennifer Aiello, left, Ron Raven dance as they wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence arrive at the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former U.S. President George W. Bush, Former President Bill Clinton and Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and wife Michelle Obama (R) arrive before the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The U.S. Army Band 'Pershing's Own' plays during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive in the Crypt of the US Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President-elect Kamala Harris greets former U.S. President Barack Obama ahead of the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Buttons of President-elect Joe Biden are pictured ahead of his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. President-elect Joe Biden gestures as he arrives for his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Guests attend the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Finnegan Biden (R) hugs Michelle Obama (L) as they arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga arrives to sing the National Anthem
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden greets Father Leo J. O’Donovan
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem during the inauguration of Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Kamala Harris is sworn in as U.S. Vice President as her spouse Doug Emhoff holds a bible
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President during his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. President Joe Biden hugs Jill Biden and daughter Ashley Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Kamala Harris bumps fists with President-elect Joe Biden after she was sworn in during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Jennifer Lopez with Vice President Kamala Harris
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures An employe of a Verizon store watches the televised inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala at restaurant, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Members of the National Guard salute as they stand near the U.S. Capitol while the National Anthem is sung
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A detail of a car decorated in outgoing US President Donald Trump as his supporters await his return to Florida along the route leading to his Mar-a-Lago estate
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Jennifer Lopez gestures during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump gestures to supporters en route to his Mar-a-Lago Florida Resort
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A general view of the Capitol during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Edwina Rose from California fights back tears while listening to U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration speech
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport on the way to Mar-a-Lago Club
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden and daughter Ashley Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures People raise champagne glasses to toast to new U.S. President Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Tiffany Trump (R) and Michale Boulos exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of President Joseph Biden celebrate as they listen to him speak during the presidential inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden signs three documents including an inauguration declaration, cabinet nominations and sub-cabinet nominations in the President's Room at the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden supporters dance in the streets
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures People watch the Inauguration Day ceremony on television at Manuel's Tavern in Atlanta
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures From left, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden embraces his wife Jill
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Utah National Guardsmen arrive at the Utah State Capitol building to provide security in Salt Lake City, Utah
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, wave from the Capitol steps as former Vice President Mike Pence's motorcade departs
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The National Mall in Washington, DC, decorated with US flags during the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden (C R) and US First Lady Jill Biden (C L) walk up the stairs as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) sits in the bleachers on Capitol Hill
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden sits in the Oval Office at the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden (L) and First Lady Jill Biden (2nd L) appear on the Blue Room Balcony as they and family members (R) watch fireworks from the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Fireworks are seen above the White House at the end of the Inauguration day
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In reality, the departing president oversaw 234 new appointments to federal courts, which was 27 judges fewer than former president Jimmy Carter, who made 261 appointments while in office.
Despite summarising his presidency as “amazing”, Mr Trump leaves office on Wednesday as the most unpopular American president in recorded history, according to Gallup pollsters.
Melania Trump, who he described as being “so so popular with the people, so popular,” also leaves the White House as the least popular first lady in recorded history.
“A fitting end to the Trump presidency. A speech full of puffery and lies, said CNN’s Jake Tapper after Mr Trump concluded the remarks. “We don't have to grade [it] on a curve. It was an embarrassment that he did not even mention the name of his successor, Joe Biden."
Follow live: President admits his administration was ‘not regular’ as son Barron skips farewell party
Before his speech, Mr Trump took off from the White House for one final time as the nation’s capital, currently under the protection of more soldiers than those currently on deployment to the Middle East, prepared to oversee the inauguration of his successor, Mr Biden.
The security measures were put in place after Mr Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol on 6 January - spurred on by his own false allegations of an election that was “stolen” from him.
Those claims were among 30,558 false or misleading statements the outgoing president made during his time in office, according to Washington Post analysis.
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