Extreme cold weather is prompting the inaugural address and events to take place within the Capitol's rotunda, enhancing safety for attendees and participants.
Trump's Inauguration Ceremonies Shift Indoors Due to Severe Cold Forecast
Trump's Inauguration Ceremonies Shift Indoors Due to Severe Cold Forecast
Due to dangerously low temperatures expected next week in Washington, President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his inauguration will be held indoors.
In a significant shift brought on by severe weather forecasts, President-elect Donald Trump confirmed that his inauguration ceremonies slated for January 20 will now occur indoors due to the chilling temperatures predicted in Washington. The inaugural address and related speeches will set the stage in the rotunda of the US Capitol instead of the traditional outdoor location.
In a statement on his social media platform, Trump emphasized his concern for the safety of the many law enforcement personnel, first responders, and supporters expected to gather. He noted, "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands... if you decide to come, dress warmly." The planned parade, typically a highlight of the inauguration, will also move to the indoor venue of the Capital One Arena, situated about a mile from the Capitol.
This marks a rare occasion; the last time an inauguration was held indoors was during Ronald Reagan's swearing-in in 1985, also due to frigid conditions. The accursed polar vortex is again at play, with forecasts predicting temperatures that could plummet to -11C (12F) and reach a high of -5C (23F), effectively making it one of the coldest inaugurations in US history. Trump reassured his supporters, stating, “Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, Make America Great Again.”
Despite these changes, organizers previously indicated that approximately 220,000 tickets would be available for attendees wanting to watch the day’s events. Plans will now be adjusted for the anticipated crowds and those without tickets who would have gathered on the National Mall.
Trump's inaugural celebrations, including his planned rally on Sunday and three official inaugural balls on Monday, will continue as intended. However, moving the event indoors means that attendance will likely be restricted. In past inaugurations, Trump has been notably focused on crowd numbers. In 2017, he claimed attendance figures of "one and half million" for his event at the National Mall, despite experts suggesting the number was significantly lower compared to Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
Historically, inaugurations have faced challenges from extreme weather; for instance, in 1841, William Henry Harrison delivered the longest speech in history only to catch pneumonia from the cold, leading to his untimely death a month later.
In a statement on his social media platform, Trump emphasized his concern for the safety of the many law enforcement personnel, first responders, and supporters expected to gather. He noted, "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands... if you decide to come, dress warmly." The planned parade, typically a highlight of the inauguration, will also move to the indoor venue of the Capital One Arena, situated about a mile from the Capitol.
This marks a rare occasion; the last time an inauguration was held indoors was during Ronald Reagan's swearing-in in 1985, also due to frigid conditions. The accursed polar vortex is again at play, with forecasts predicting temperatures that could plummet to -11C (12F) and reach a high of -5C (23F), effectively making it one of the coldest inaugurations in US history. Trump reassured his supporters, stating, “Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, Make America Great Again.”
Despite these changes, organizers previously indicated that approximately 220,000 tickets would be available for attendees wanting to watch the day’s events. Plans will now be adjusted for the anticipated crowds and those without tickets who would have gathered on the National Mall.
Trump's inaugural celebrations, including his planned rally on Sunday and three official inaugural balls on Monday, will continue as intended. However, moving the event indoors means that attendance will likely be restricted. In past inaugurations, Trump has been notably focused on crowd numbers. In 2017, he claimed attendance figures of "one and half million" for his event at the National Mall, despite experts suggesting the number was significantly lower compared to Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
Historically, inaugurations have faced challenges from extreme weather; for instance, in 1841, William Henry Harrison delivered the longest speech in history only to catch pneumonia from the cold, leading to his untimely death a month later.
