Donald Trump announced plans on Monday to lift the Covid travel ban on Ireland just hours before his Presidential reign is due to end.
The plan would see bans on much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil, lifted on January 26.
But, incoming President Joe Biden has promised to block the move in line with public health advice.
In the order, Trump wrote: "I agree with the Secretary that this action is the best way to continue protecting Americans from COVID-19 while enabling travel to resume safely."
But incoming press secretary, Jen Psaki hit back on Twitter saying: "With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel."
Joe Biden will take the oath of office and become President of the United States on Wednesday January 20, 2021. Finally.
And despite the reduced attendance and high security, many of the traditional aspects of the Inauguration will go ahead as planned.
There’ll be a ceremony on the steps of the Capitol Building, which still being repaired from last week’s violence.
And there will be celebrity entertainment - Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem, while Jennifer Lopez will also perform.
But aside from the ceremony itself, much of Inauguration Day will be a departure from previous years.
At 5pm Irish time this Wednesday, January 20th, Joe Biden will officially begin his term as the 46th president of the United States - the event will be broadcast on RTE and all news channels.
