Donald Trump will inaugurate as the 47th president of the United States inside the Capitol Rotunda.
The swearing-in ceremony will move indoors due to a severe polar vortex forecast to hit Washington, D.C. on Monday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, the New York Post reported.
Trump revealed the shift in venue on Friday, using his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce the relocation of the typically outdoor event. The forecast for D.C. predicts chilling temperatures on Monday, with a high of 22 degrees Fahrenheit and an overnight low of 7 degrees, marking one of the coldest inauguration days in recent history.
Originally, organizers sent out invitations for an open-air swearing-in ceremony at the National Mall. However, the extreme weather forecasted for Monday prompted officials to move the event indoors. Trump will be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda, marking the first time since President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985 that severe cold has required an indoor ceremony in this space.
The change in venue will significantly limit attendance. The event will welcome a select number of guests, including lawmakers and media personnel.
While urging supporters to be cautious of the harsh cold, Trump extended an invitation to followers to participate in the day's events remotely. "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. 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," he said in his announcement on Truth Social.
For those wishing to witness Trump's inauguration, the Capitol One Arena, with a seating capacity of 20,000, will host a broadcast viewing of the swearing-in. This venue will also be the site for the inaugural parade, which typically travels along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. However, given the conditions, the parade will take place indoors this year.
After the swearing-in, Trump will participate in a signing ceremony in the Capitol’s President’s Room. Numerous Executive Orders are anticipated to be signed during this event, marking the beginning of his administration's legislative agenda.
Following these formalities, Trump will head to the arena to take part in the parade celebrations. This deviation from tradition mirrors his approach to addressing the day's extreme weather conditions with pragmatism and safety-conscious decisions.
Before the inauguration, Trump will stay at Blair House on Sunday night. On Monday morning, he will meet with outgoing President Joe Biden for a customary tea meeting.
The day's celebrations will conclude with Trump attending three inaugural balls in the evening, where he will address attendees and mark the start of his presidency.
Trump decided to move the inauguration indoors due to safety concerns for all involved, as extreme weather is set to impact the capital. This historical adjustment highlights the rare need to prioritize public and participant safety during significant national events.
In summary, Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president will take place inside the historic Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures forecasted for Monday. Adaptations for the day include limited in-person attendance and remote viewership options to accommodate Trump's supporters.
