President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 20, but due to the forecast of bitterly cold weather, the outdoor ceremonies have been moved indoors. Trump announced on Truth Social about the weather conditions after CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reported that “dangerously cold temperatures” are prompting the shift of Trump’s Inauguration to an indoor setting.
“Expect Trump and Vance to be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda,” stated Collins. With an Arctic blast hitting the nation, Trump has urged attendees to dress warmly to avoid any harm or injury.
He expressed concern for the safety of law enforcement, first responders, police dogs, horses, and the vast crowd expected to brave the cold. The last inauguration to be held indoors was Ronald Reagan’s in 1985, due to severe weather.
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, like Reagan’s, will be televised. “The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience! ” Trump added.
Significant stone barricades have been erected around the incoming President’s Washington DC residence ahead of his ‘oath of office’ ceremony, expected to draw a crowd of 250,000 amidst security concerns. Meanwhile, regions in New England brace for a storm set to hit either Sunday or Monday.
“At this time, most likely snow will have departed Washington, D.C., in time for the Presidential inauguration on Monday, but there may be slippery conditions for those traveling to the nation’s capital from Sunday to early Monday morning,” warned AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty, cautioning of potential significant airline delays.
Although snow remains uncertain, temperatures are forecasted to hover in the upper 20s or lower 30s with gusty winds, presenting a stark contrast to Trump’s first inauguration which experienced a high of 48 degrees and light rain.
The National Weather Service suggests a 30% chance of snowfall. Trump is set to lead the presidential parade from the Capitol to the White House along Pennsylvania Ave, with a Victory Rally slated for Sunday at 3 pm and three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening, as announced on social media.
