In an unprecedented move, President-elect Trump’s second inauguration will be relocated indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather forecasted for January 20th. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., are expected to plunge into the 20s, with wind chills making conditions even more severe—marking the coldest inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, which was also moved indoors for similar reasons.
According to CNN, Trump’s inaugural parade may also shift indoors, with discussions underway to hold portions of the celebration at the Capital One Arena, where Trump is already set to host a Victory Rally on Sunday. Trump’s team is coordinating with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to manage the logistics for tens of thousands of supporters originally planning to attend the outdoor ceremony on the National Mall.
In a statement, Trump addressed the decision, emphasizing public safety:
“January 20th cannot come fast enough! It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country… I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th.”
Trump added that the Capitol Rotunda would provide a dignified and historic setting for the swearing-in, referencing Reagan’s indoor inauguration in 1985 as precedent. “This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” Trump assured.
To accommodate the overflow of supporters, the Capital One Arena will broadcast the inauguration live and serve as the venue for the Presidential Parade. Trump announced he would join the crowd at the arena after taking the oath of office.
While weather is the primary reason for moving the ceremony indoors, security concerns have also been heightened following two recent assassination attempts on Trump. Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino dedicated a podcast this week to discussing security risks, warning that the President-elect’s safety must be the top priority.
Despite these changes, Trump confirmed that all other inaugural events will proceed as planned, including the Victory Rally on Sunday and the three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening.
Trump closed his statement with a promise of unity and strength: “Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
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