Inauguration Ceremony Moved Indoors Due to Severe Cold
Why the Change in Plans?
President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his inauguration ceremony will take place inside the US Capitol on Monday, rather than outdoors, due to severe cold weather conditions. This will be the first time in 40 years that a US presidential inaugural ceremony has been moved indoors.
Background on the Decision
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he does not want to see people hurt or injured in any way, hence the decision to move the ceremony indoors. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors due to cold weather was in 1985 for former Republican President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in, when the afternoon wind chill fell into the range of -23 to -29C.
Forecast and Logistics
The forecast for Washington on Monday is for a temperature around -7C, but it is expected to feel even colder with wind chill. Trump said supporters can view the ceremony on screens inside the Capital One Arena, a professional basketball and hockey venue in downtown Washington that holds 20,000 people.
Impact on Crowd Size
The switch means there will be no comparisons of Trump’s crowd size to previous inauguration ceremonies. After his first swearing-in in 2017, Trump was infuriated by media reports suggesting the crowd on the national mall was far smaller than the one that saw former Democratic President Barack Obama first take the oath of office in 2009.
Changes to Parade and Rally
Trump said his presidential parade, which was set to involve marching bands and other groups proceeding down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, will be switched to Capital One Arena. It was not immediately clear how a parade would be organized inside the sports venue. Trump said he would join the crowd at the arena after being sworn in.
A Tradition of Frigid Weather
Frigid weather has featured at many a past inauguration. Temperatures for Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 were also cold, rising to -1.5C. William Henry Harrison, the ninth US president, delivered the longest inaugural address on March 4, 1841, in wet and cold conditions without a hat or overcoat. That event and speech were thought to have contributed to his later succumbing to pneumonia, making his presidency the shortest in American history.
Conclusion
The decision to move the inauguration ceremony indoors due to severe cold weather conditions has significant implications for the event’s logistics and crowd size. While some may be disappointed by the change, Trump’s priority for public safety has taken precedence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the inauguration ceremony moved indoors?
The ceremony was moved indoors due to severe cold weather conditions. - What will happen to the parade?
The parade has been switched to Capital One Arena, where Trump will join the crowd after being sworn in. - Will the ceremony still be broadcast on TV?
Yes, the ceremony will be broadcast on TV and live-streamed online. - Will the National Mall still be open to the public?
The National Park Service has not yet announced whether crowds will still be allowed on the mall to watch the indoor ceremony on giant video screens already in place.