Cold Weather Forces Shift in Trump Inauguration Celebration

Donald Trump’s return to Washington was expected to be an exhilarating day for his followers, with large crowds gathering on the National Mall and a star-studded lineup celebrating the inauguration of a president many thought would not return. However, unseasonably cold weather forced the transition team to announce a last-minute relocation to the Capitol Rotunda, a decision that left thousands of supporters unable to attend the event they had anticipated spending significant amounts of money to witness in person.

As a result of the sudden change, many Trump supporters found themselves either outside with limited options to watch the inauguration or scrambling to adapt their plans. With over 250,000 tickets issued for the West Front of the Capitol, only about 20,000 could fit into the nearby Capitol One Arena, leading to smaller groups making their way between black police barriers to watch from screens inside.

Among those in attendance were members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that gathered early in the day at Union Station before marching through the streets with a banner congratulating Trump. They aimed to reach the U.S. District Courthouse, a site linked to former January 6 trials, but their intentions appeared somewhat aimless as they acknowledged that they hadn’t planned where to watch the swearing-in ceremony.

As they paraded along the streets, the group donned outfits to obscure their identities and expressed their intentions to celebrate, albeit without a clear destination in mind. One of their organizers, referring to himself as "Dave the Sermonizer," minimized the group's controversial past while emphasizing their current identity as a pro-Western fraternity.

The day's events unfolded against a backdrop of poor weather conditions that included sleet and snow, prompting many to retreat indoors. As the rain turned to snow, patrons huddled at local pubs, where Trump's supporters dominated the usual clientele, leading to lighthearted jests among those working at the venues as they served drinks to the influx of MAGA hats.