In response to the frigid forecast in Washington, D.C., President-elect Trump’s inauguration ceremony is set to be held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda this Monday.
According to Fox News, this shift marks only the second indoor inauguration since President Ronald Reagan's in 1985 due to extreme cold.
The swearing-in ceremony, traditionally held outdoors, was moved following President-elect Trump’s Friday announcement. He noted the Arctic conditions over the capital are likely to bring record-low temperatures and harsh winds, making outdoor activities risky.
The decision to relocate the event was affirmed by the Inaugural Committee. A spokesperson for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies highlighted the safety considerations for relocating the ceremonies indoors.
According to weather forecasts, Monday could see temperatures drop to the upper 20s, feeling closer to single digits when accounting for wind chill. A snowstorm is also possible on Sunday, potentially complicating travel and preparations.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed his concerns about the safety of both the attendees and the service animals involved, underlining the severity of the expected weather conditions, which could include dangerous winds and extreme cold.
This year echoes the precaution taken during Reagan's second inauguration, which was also moved indoors due to cold weather. President Thomas Jefferson and President James Monroe also experienced shifts in inauguration traditions, with Jefferson's taking place inside the Capitol and Monroe's marking the start of outdoor inaugurations post the 1812 Capitol burn.
Trump also made additional arrangements to accommodate attendees. The Capital One Arena will serve as a secondary venue where supporters can watch the inauguration live on Monday and participate remotely in the Presidential Parade. After his swearing-in, Trump plans to make an appearance at the Capital One Arena to join the spectators and further celebrate his inauguration.
Despite the drastic location change, inaugural balls and events will proceed as planned. This balance ensures that the celebratory spirit of the inauguration remains intact while adapting to the pressing weather conditions.
Security and logistics are now concentrated on indoor venues, ensuring a seamless transition from the traditional outdoor setup and maintaining high safety standards for everyone involved.
The President-elect reiterated the importance of attendee safety, stating on social media platforms his priority was avoiding any risks associated with the severe cold, especially for the law enforcement and emergency services working during the event.
With these adjustments, Trump's first day in office is shaping up to be historic not only for its political significance but also for how it manages the challenges posed by nature. Both venues, the Capitol and the Capital One Arena will feature heightened security measures and health protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.
The community, including hundreds of thousands of expected supporters, has been advised to dress warmly and prepare for severe cold conditions, underlining the extreme weather advisory issued ahead of the inauguration.
In conclusion, President-elect Trump's inauguration is adapting to unprecedented weather conditions by moving indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, with additional viewing arrangements at the Capital One Arena. Despite the changes, all scheduled inaugural balls will proceed, and both the President-elect and attendees are urged to take precautions against the extreme cold. This indoor inauguration follows a historical precedent set during similarly harsh winter weather.