Inauguration Ceremony of Trump to Be Held Indoors Due to Severe Cold
In light of severe cold weather forecasts, President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday. This decision comes as temperatures in Washington, D.C., are expected to drop significantly, with predictions of wind chills leading to record low temperatures.
Trump took to social media to express concern for the safety of attendees, emphasizing that he does not wish for anyone to be harmed due to the weather conditions. The Capitol Rotunda, a contingency location for such ceremonies, has not been used for an inauguration since 1985, when President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term.
Monday's projected temperature is set to be around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately -6 degrees Celsius), marking it as one of the coldest inauguration days since Reagan's ceremony, which recorded a chilling 7 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 degrees Celsius).
Key figures such as outgoing President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other dignitaries will be present inside the Capitol to witness the ceremony. However, logistical adjustments are necessary for the approximately 250,000 ticketed guests who were originally expected to attend the event outdoors, as well as for the numerous individuals anticipated to line the parade route from the Capitol to the White House.
To accommodate some supporters, Trump announced that a viewing event will be held at Washington's Capital One Arena, where he plans to host a rally the day before the inauguration. Following the ceremony, he intends to visit the arena and conduct a modified inaugural parade for attendees. Other inaugural festivities, including a rally on Sunday and participation in three official inaugural balls on Monday evening, are scheduled to proceed as planned.
The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for security arrangements for the inauguration, is collaborating with event organizers to modify security measures in light of the venue changes. The National Weather Service has confirmed that the forecasted temperature will be the lowest recorded on Inauguration Day since 1985.
In a nod to tradition, Trump will take his oath of office on two Bibles: one gifted to him by his mother and the other famously used by President Abraham Lincoln during his own inauguration in 1861. Vice President-elect JD Vance is also set to be sworn in using a family Bible passed down from his great-grandmother.
