US President-elect Donald Trump announced that his inauguration on Monday will take place inside the US Capitol instead of outdoors due to “severe” cold conditions.
“An Arctic blast is sweeping across the Country,” Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social account on Friday.
“As a result, I have moved the Inauguration Address, along with prayers and other speeches, to the United States Capitol Rotunda.”
This significant change means Mr. Trump will not be on the Capitol steps facing the National Mall, where large crowds typically gather to greet new presidents.
The last time a president was sworn in indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, who also relocated the ceremony to the Capitol’s ornate Rotunda due to dangerously low temperatures.
Washington’s forecast for Monday predicts temperatures well below freezing, with wind chill contributing to the cold.
In his announcement, Mr. Trump mentioned that “various Dignitaries and Guests” will be present for the indoor events, which will include prayers, the inaugural address, and the national anthem.
Inside the US Capitol
However, despite being a Republican who has built his political identity around large rallies, Mr. Trump stated that supporters can view the ceremony through a live feed at Washington’s Capital One sports arena, explaining that he would head there afterward.
At 78, Mr. Trump will become the oldest individual to take office as president, asserting that the ceremonies in the Rotunda “will be a very beautiful experience for all, especially for the large TV audience!”
“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.”
Crowd size concern
Following his first inauguration in 2017, Mr. Trump was notably upset by reports indicating that the crowd size on the Mall was significantly smaller than the turnout for Barack Obama in 2009.
This alteration means he will forgo much of the traditional pageantry associated with the event.
Such pageantry includes delivering the inaugural address to a vast audience stretching toward the iconic Washington Memorial.
Bottles of water are staged as preparations continue around the US Capitol
Nonetheless, as a former reality television star, Mr. Trump is likely to capitalize on the opportunity for television-friendly theatrics, both in the elegant Rotunda and later in the arena.
“This will be a very beautiful experience for all, especially for the large TV audience!” Mr. Trump shared.
Capital One Arena, which hosts the Washington Wizards basketball team and the Washington Capitals ice hockey team, has a seating capacity of approximately 20,000.
Prior to the decision to cancel the outdoor event, over 220,000 tickets had been allocated to the public through politicians’ offices.
Those brave enough to face the cold will still have the chance to see the newly sworn-in president as he travels along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
The White House, Capitol, and sections of the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route are already surrounded by 2.4-meter-high metal barriers.
Additionally, around 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel are converging on Washington, according to US Secret Service special agent Matt McCool.
