THE TRUMP INAUGURATION WILL TAKE PLACE INDOORS
Due to the extremely low temperatures predicted for the nation's capital, President-elect Donald Trump declared on Friday that his inauguration would now take place indoors.
Because of the extremely cold weather, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985."
"On Monday, we will open Capital One Arena to host the Presidential Parade and to watch this historic event LIVE. After I'm sworn in, I'll be at Capital One to join the crowd," Trump continued.
Trump's team was in discussions to maybe hold some of the celebrations at the arena, where Trump will attend a rally on Sunday, and CNN reported earlier Friday that preparations were in progress for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance to be sworn in in the Rotunda.
In a statement, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies stated that it will comply with the President-elect's and his Presidential Inaugural Committee's request to relocate the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies to the Rotunda within the U.S. Capitol.
The problem now is where to house the thousands of people who would have been outdoors but are unable to attend because the committee always prepares backup plans to hold the inauguration in different sites in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
In a notice distributed to ticket holders later Friday, the committee stated that "the great majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person." In addition to saying that it is "designating certain places to watch and will provide additional information," it encouraged potential viewers to watch at "indoor venues of their choice." Members of Congress and those who have tickets for the Presidential Platform will be able to attend in person, according to the committee.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANIZATIONS STRIVE TO DEVELOP FRESH STRATEGIES
Two law enforcement sources familiar with the planning told CNN that the Secret Service and other agencies, including the US Capitol Police and DC, are figuring out how bringing the inauguration and parade indoors will affect security arrangements for Monday.
It used to take months for agencies to create a new security plan, but now they only have three days. The Department of Homeland Security designated the inauguration as a National Special Security Event, which sets off a multifaceted federal strategy, and the agencies have been preparing for it since early 2024.
Approximately 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel were expected to attend Trump's inauguration, which was anticipated to draw hundreds of thousands of ticketed guests.
In preparation for Trump's now-cancelled outdoor inauguration and parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, more than 30 miles of fencing—more than ever before erected for such an event—were still being set up as of Friday morning. The purpose of the fencing was to filter crowds through security checkpoints.
According to sources familiar with the planning, law enforcement agencies are developing a new strategy for Trump's inauguration now that the ceremony and parade will take place indoors, which may simplify security in certain ways, CNN reports.
According to one congressional source who spoke to CNN, the Rotunda in the US Capitol, where the inauguration will now take place, can accommodate about 700 people and will only be accessible to members of Congress, their spouses, and VIPs. However, a final plan is still being finalized.
The event's security will mirror how the US Capitol Police, working with the Secret Service and others, guard the building and its environs during State of the Union speeches. The public has been redirected to the Capitol One Arena and will no longer be able to access it.
According to law enforcement officials, over 200,000 people purchased tickets for the inauguration, despite the arena's capacity of just over 20,000. The "weather plan precludes the vast majority of ticketed guests from attending the ceremonies in person," the Capitol's Sergeant at Arms informed congressional offices. Additionally, they stated that those who are unable to attend could still receive inaugural tickets as mementos.
The Secret Service, DC police, and other agencies are still figuring out security measures for the arena and the surrounding area.
OFFICIALS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COLD TEMPERATURES
Trump expressed concern on Friday that the low temperatures could pose a health risk to attendees and guests.
"I don't want to witness any kind of harm or injury to others. Tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders, police K9s, even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters will be outside for several hours on the 20th. If you plan to attend, please wear warm clothing.
In 1985, when daytime temperatures dropped to 7 degrees with a wind chill of -25, Reagan became the last president to be sworn in indoors. Within the Capitol rotunda, Reagan took the oath of office. His first parade was called off.
According to the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, President William Henry Harrison is generally thought to have had a cold during his 1841 inauguration, when he delivered a two-hour speech without a coat or hat. A month after his inauguration, he passed away from pneumonia.
