President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony will move indoors due to freezing temperatures, marking the coldest inauguration in 40 years and sparking changes in attendance and security measures.
At a Glance
- Trump’s inauguration ceremony will be held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to severe cold weather
- Only about 600 people will attend in person, including those on the Presidential Platform and members of Congress
- The Capital One Arena will host a live viewing for supporters, with Trump joining after being sworn in
- Security concerns are heightened following two assassination attempts on Trump during the election cycle
- Protests and demonstrations are planned, showcasing civic engagement and societal discourse
Indoor Ceremony Mirrors Reagan’s 1985 Inauguration
In a move reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has decided to hold his swearing-in ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. This decision comes in response to an Arctic blast sweeping across the country, making it the coldest inauguration in four decades. The shift to an indoor venue significantly reduces the number of attendees, with only about 600 people expected to be present, compared to the usual 1,600 for outdoor ceremonies.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has stated that most ticketed guests will not be able to attend in person. “Those with tickets for the Presidential Platform and members of Congress will be able to attend in person,” the Committee said, adding, “But the vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.”
But could there be more to this story?
The decision to move the ceremony indoors was not solely based on weather conditions. Security concerns have been heightened following two assassination attempts on Trump during the election cycle. Congressman Jim Costa emphasized the importance of protecting government institutions and leaders in light of these events.
“It’s important that we protect the outgoing President and the incoming President and members of Congress,” Congressman Jim Costa said.
While the indoor ceremony will be more intimate, alternative viewing options have been arranged for supporters. The Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. will be open for the public to watch the ceremony live, with Trump planning to join the crowd after being sworn in. This venue can accommodate about 20,000 people, a small fraction of the expected visitors to Washington for the event.
Impact on Attendees and Local Representatives
The venue change has left many ticketholders disappointed but understanding of the circumstances. Tickets for the outdoor ceremony are no longer valid but will be kept as commemorative items. Local representatives have had to adjust their plans accordingly. The Merced County Sheriff’s Posse will not participate as initially planned, and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer has opted to attend local Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events instead.
“The calls that we’ve received is that they’re disappointed, but they understand,” Costa noted.
Congressman Vince Fong will be among the select few attending the indoor ceremony. Despite the changes, there is hope for a unifying message from the incoming president. Congressman Costa expressed his wishes for the event, saying, “I hope that it’s a positive message that he intends to be President for all Americans.”
If Trump was forced to do this indoors because of threats against his life, then we have a real big problem in this country. And it’s coming from the radical left, not the right.