President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, previously announced as a full outdoor ceremony, has been downsized to take place indoors owing to extreme cold. Trump said he made the move on Friday on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“Because dangerous conditions for the attendees have occurred, I am moving the Inauguration Address and other proceedings to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol as in Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration,” said Trump.
Temperatures are going to dip down to 22°F with wind chills that will feel near single digits on the coldest inauguration day in recorded history. Security and logistical plans are being rewritten to adjust to the change. The Capitol Rotunda, which accommodates about 700 people, will be the venue for Trump’s swearing-in. However, this decision will exclude many of the 240,000 ticket holders who were supposed to watch from outside.
For those who cannot attend in person, a live viewing will be available at the Capital One Arena, which seats 20,000. Trump said he would go to the arena with supporters after taking the oath of office, which will replace the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service and Capitol Police, are adjusting their security measures to accommodate the venue change. A perimeter like those that have been deployed around the Capitol for State of the Union addresses will surround the area, and security measures in the arena are going to be ratcheted up.
While the change, Trump said other inaugural events would still go ahead as scheduled: a Sunday rally and three official inaugural balls on Monday.
The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was in Reagan’s second term in 1985 when the temperature dropped to 7°F. Trump’s decision highlights his concern for public safety and his historical inauguration day.
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