10
Loading video...
By Monica Sager
Live News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration will be held indoors due to weather conditions, he announced Friday, confirming earlier reports that preparations were underway to move the pomp-filled event because of the expected cold.
"The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows," Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social. "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!)."
Newsweek reached out to multiple people on Trump's team for comment over email.
Read More on Politics
Why It Matters
Monday in the nation's capital is expected to be the coldest Inauguration Day since former President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985, which was the last time an inaugural was held inside.
The decision to uproot the event at the last minute will have major implications for the tens of thousands of people who were planning to watch the festivities from the National Mall.
...
What To Know
Trump announced on Truth Social that he ordered for the Inauguration address, prayers and other speeches to be delivered in the Capitol Rotunda. The traditional parade will also be moved inside.
"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 posted. "We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In."
Trump added that all other events will remain as is, including the Victory Rally on Sunday, which will also be held at the Capital One Arena.
"Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump posted." It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country."
On January 20, the temperature in Washington, D.C. is forecast to be roughly 21 degrees Fahrenheit but feel like 11 degrees around noon, when the inauguration proceedings begin, according to WJLA. Temperatures will increase later in the afternoon to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will feel like 14 degrees.
This is not the first time a presidential swearing in has been moved indoors. In 1909 former President William Howard Taft's inauguration was the center of a blizzard that brought 10 inches of snow to DC. His inauguration was moved to the Senate Chambers.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth inauguration in 1945 was at the White House.
...
In 1985, Reagan's second inauguration was held in the Capitol Rotunda because of the cold. The day marked the coldest inauguration so far on record, with the temperature at 7 degrees Fahrenheit around noon.
Former President William Henry Harrison's inauguration in 1841 was marked by cold and wet weather, and he contracted pneumonia after delivering the longest inaugural speech on record — 8,445 words — without wearing a coat or hat. He died in office a month later.
Various presidents also had small swearing-in ceremonies after the death of their predecessor, most famously when Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath aboard Air Force One after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He was joined by Jackie Kennedy, who was still wearing the blood-spattered clothing from the shooting.
...
What People Are Saying
Statement from The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies: The JCIC "will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda."
Former Republican Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on X: "At this point let's just move it to Mar-A-Lago!"
Scott Dworkin, the cofounder of the Democratic Coalition, on X: "Trump's moving inauguration inside because it's too cold for the big baby. Also, he didn't want the visuals of another small crowd. Pathetic."
Kayleigh McEnany, political commentator and former press secretary for Trump, on Fox: "This has happened twice... What's interesting to me is the Reagan comparison — because not only is the Inauguration indoors, you have the hostage release right before Trump comes in. You have the assassination attempt, Ronald Reagan as well."
What's Next
More details about ticketing and logistics for the indoor events are expected to be forthcoming.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines