Due to the extreme cold weather, US President-elect Trump (Trump) has announced that the inauguration ceremony scheduled for next Monday, January 20, will be moved indoors.
Trump wrote on his media platform “Truth Social,” “With a polar storm sweeping the nation, I do not want anyone to get hurt…Therefore, I have ordered the inauguration speech, prayer, and other speeches to be held in the Rotunda of the US Capitol Building, just like President Ronald Reagan did in 1985 due to extreme cold weather.”
Trump instructed, “For the tens of thousands of law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, police dogs, even horses, and the thousands of supporters who will be outdoors for hours on the 20th, these will be dangerous weather conditions. (In any case, if you decide to come in person, please dress warmly!)”
According to the weather forecast in Washington, DC, the temperature on Monday will be in the range of ten to twenty degrees Fahrenheit (around -12 to -6 degrees Celsius), with even lower wind chill temperatures, and there is a possibility of snow the day before.
The “Capital One Arena” in downtown Washington, DC will be open to supporters next Monday to watch the live ceremony, Trump stated that he will join the crowd after taking the oath of office.
Trump wrote, “Various dignitaries and guests will be accommodated inside the Capitol Building. This will be a wonderful experience for everyone, especially for the numerous television viewers!”
The post also mentioned, “Other event schedules will remain unchanged, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena at 3 pm on Sunday (doors open at 1 pm – please arrive early!), and the three inaugural balls on Monday night.”
A senior official involved in the inauguration ceremony in Washington told CBS News that moving the inauguration indoors is “the decision of the President-elect, and we respect his decision.”