Trump inauguration to be moved indoors due to cold

By AFP
January 18, 2025
A semi-circle with seating is pictured at the West Front of the US Capitol building as preparations are underway for the upcoming presidential inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Washington, US, January 15, 2025. — Reuters
A semi-circle with seating is pictured at the West Front of the US Capitol building as preparations are underway for the upcoming presidential inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Washington, US, January 15, 2025. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Friday that his inauguration as US president on Monday will be moved indoors due to expected freezing weather.

“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country,” Trump wrote on his app Truth Social. “Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda.”

The dramatic change of plan means Trump will not stand on the Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall, which traditionally hosts a large crowd to welcome in new presidents.

The last time a president took the oath of office indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, who also moved the ceremony into the Capitol´s ornate Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather.

Washington is forecast to be well below freezing on Monday, with the wind adding to the cold. In his post, Trump said that “various Dignitaries and Guests” will attend the events inside the Capitol, including prayers, Trump´s inaugural address, and singing of the anthem.

However, the Republican, who has built a political brand around his staging of large rallies, said supporters could watch the event on a live feed in Washington´s Capital.