Washington, D.C. (WDNews) – Severe cold weather has prompted President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony to be moved indoors, according to an announcement from Trump’s transition team. The swearing-in and other inaugural events will now take place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies confirmed the decision in a statement, citing safety concerns. “The committee will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda,” the statement read.
Officials expressed concern about the health risks posed by the frigid temperatures expected to hit Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day. Trump addressed the issue on Truth Social, noting the potential dangers for attendees and personnel. “It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, police K9s, even horses, and the hundreds of thousands of supporters who will be outside for many hours,” he stated.
Approximately 250,000 ticketed guests were expected to attend the event from the Capitol grounds, while tens of thousands more planned to view the ceremony from general admission areas and along the parade route, according to the Associated Press.
The ceremony, set for noon Monday, will include President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other dignitaries, who will also remain indoors. For supporters unable to attend, a live viewing will be held at the Capital One Arena. Trump is expected to visit the arena after the ceremony and host a modified inaugural parade. Additionally, he is scheduled to hold a rally at the arena on Sunday.
The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to hover around 22 degrees at noon on Inauguration Day, potentially making it one of the coldest inaugurations since President Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in, which occurred in single-digit temperatures.
