President-elect Donald Trump, in response to an impending Arctic blast sweeping the nation, has made the decision to move his inauguration ceremony indoors to the United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. The extreme cold and dangerously low wind chills forecasted for Monday have prompted Trump to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees, stating, “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”
Moving the inauguration indoors is a rare occurrence, with the last instance dating back to 1985 when President Ronald Reagan took his oath of office for the second time in the Rotunda due to frigid temperatures. Trump’s decision was met with understanding from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, which oversees events at the Capitol complex, and they have agreed to accommodate the change in venue.
Capitol One Arena to Host Live Viewing and Parade
As an alternative for those looking to witness the ceremony live, Trump announced that the Capital One Arena in D.C. will be open for a live viewing of the inauguration and will also host the scheduled presidential parade. Additionally, a MAGA rally at the Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon will proceed as planned, followed by the inauguration ceremonies on Monday.
Supporters Express Disappointment
While Trump’s decision was made with safety in mind, some of his supporters who had traveled to Washington for the event expressed disappointment. Ken Robinson, who journeyed from Oklahoma with his family, shared his feelings, stating, “We might as well stay at home and watch it on TV. I’m kind of disappointed, to be honest with you. We came here to watch it in person. We don’t really care to watch it on a Jumbotron.”
Despite the change in venue, Trump reassured attendees that the essence of the inauguration ceremonies will remain unchanged, emphasizing the importance of safety and unity. “Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he affirmed.
In this unprecedented move, President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to relocate his inauguration indoors serves as a testament to his commitment to ensuring the well-being of all attendees amidst challenging weather conditions. The transition to the United States Capitol Rotunda signifies a blend of tradition and adaptability, reflecting the resilience and flexibility of the American spirit. As the nation prepares to witness this historic event, the spirit of unity and hope prevails, transcending physical boundaries and weather constraints.
