Trump Inauguration Moved Indoors Due To Weather Concerns
President-elect Donald Trump has introduced a last-minute adjustment to Monday’s inauguration plans, although it wasn't entirely expected or desired.
On Friday, Team Trump revealed that the ceremony would be moved indoors due to the harsh cold forecasted for Washington, D.C. This change will unfortunately limit the number of attendees who were set to witness the event at the outdoor venue.
“January 20th cannot come fast enough! Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. 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 on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!),” Trump explained on TruthSocial.
“Therefore, 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, also because of very cold weather. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” he added.
Trump also announced, “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
“All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening,” he confirmed.
“Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump concluded.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies always prepares alternative arrangements for weather or other concerns and has adjusted its plans accordingly, as reported by CNN.
“The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda,” the committee stated.
They also informed ticket holders on Friday, saying, “The vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.” Spectators were encouraged to watch from “indoor venues of their choice,” with the panel promising to designate viewing areas and provide further details.
It remains unclear how this adjustment will impact scheduled performances by some of the music industry's biggest stars.
“We already know that Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood are set to sing at Donald Trump’s inauguration, but they’re not the only country stars who’ll be front and center at the festivities,” CT40 reported.
“Greenwood will also perform at The Make America Great Again Victory Rally, along with Billy Ray Cyrus, Kid Rock, and The Village People. The singers famous for ‘YMCA’ are also on tap for The Liberty Ball, along with Jason Aldean and another surprise guest,” the report continued.
Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief Ball will showcase country artists Parker McCollum and Rascal Flatts.
Additionally, prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and Apple CEO Tim Cook are also expected to attend the inauguration, according to various sources.