Trump Moves Inauguration Indoors Due to Severe Cold

In a historic change, President-elect Donald Trump declared that his inauguration ceremony on Monday will be held indoors at the U.S. Capitol, a decision driven by exceptionally cold temperatures. This marks the first occasion in four decades that such an event has been relocated indoors; the last instance was for Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985 when frigid wind chills dropped to dangerous levels.

Trump expressed his concerns about the potential risks posed by the harsh weather, stating on his Truth Social platform, "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way." Consequently, he has arranged for the Inauguration Address, along with prayers and additional speeches, to take place in the Capitol Rotunda.

With temperatures anticipated to hover around 19°F at the time of the swearing-in, the wind chill could make it feel considerably colder. To accommodate supporters, Trump proposed that they can watch the ceremony on screens at the Capital One Arena, a venue in downtown Washington capable of seating 20,000 people.

Moreover, he indicated plans to hold the presidential parade, which typically features marching bands and various groups along Pennsylvania Avenue, inside the same arena, although details on how this would function logistically remain unclear. After his inauguration, Trump mentioned he would join the crowd at the arena for further engagement.

The impact of severe cold on past inaugurations is noteworthy; for instance, William Henry Harrison's 1841 inaugural speech was marred by wet and cold weather, leading to health consequences that eventually resulted in his death from pneumonia just one month into his presidency. Additionally, during Ulysses S. Grant's second swearing-in in 1873, cadets standing outside collapsed from the cold while his address was rendered inaudible due to strong winds, a day that remains marked in history as Washington's coldest for a March.