The move to the US Capitol's rotunda raises questions about attendance and future events planned for the inauguration day.
**Trump's Inauguration Relocated Indoors Amidst Severe Cold Weather Warnings**
**Trump's Inauguration Relocated Indoors Amidst Severe Cold Weather Warnings**
In an unprecedented decision, President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration will now be held indoors due to dangerously low temperatures forecasted for Washington, D.C.
In a significant alteration to schedule, President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20 will shift indoors owing to warnings of exceedingly cold weather. Originally planned for the steps of the US Capitol, all inaugural speeches have been moved to the Capitol's rotunda, with a live viewing option available at the Capital One Arena, located about a mile away.
Temperatures on inauguration day are projected to plunge, with lows hitting -11C (12F) and highs staying around -5C (23F). Wind chill could exacerbate these conditions, leading Trump to express concern for the safety of attendees and law enforcement personnel on his Truth Social platform. “I do not want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way,” he stated, while also advising attendees to "dress warmly" if they choose to brave the weather.
Historically, Ronald Reagan's 1985 inauguration faced similar conditions, marking the last instance where an inauguration was held indoors. As a result of this adjustment, Trump will now have a far more restrictive audience compared to the expected 220,000 in attendance outdoors at the Capitol. The initiated indoor plan may complicate logistics for those without tickets.
Additionally, planned inaugural events, including a rally hosted by Trump on Sunday and three subsequent official balls on Monday, will occur as per the original itinerary. The ongoing polar vortex impacting the nation has resulted in not just frigid temperatures in the capital, but an overall drop in temperatures across various U.S. regions.
This necessary change echoes past events, such as in 1841 when William Henry Harrison's lengthy inaugural address in adverse weather conditions led to his ill health and ultimately, a very brief presidency. In light of the impending weather, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect overall attendance and engagement during what was envisioned as a monumental inauguration.
