Following reports that President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will have the most stringent security measures in history, it seems that the event will be held inside.
While some might assume that the choice was due to concerns about assassination attempts after the president-elect survived multiple such attempts on the campaign trail, he said it was due to weather concerns.
“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,” he said in a Truth Social post Friday. “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 added that he ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda. He noted that it was also used by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 to avoid 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!” Trump said.
The Rotunda is a large, domed, circular room located in the center of the U.S.
Capitol that was completed as of 1824.
“Conceived in the age of neoclassicism, the Rotunda was intended to recall the Pantheon, the ancient Roman temple,” per the Architect of the Capitol. “[Architect Charles] Bulfinch created in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda an ambitious orchestration of architecture, sculpture and painting.”
Usually, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, and President's Park serve as a backdrop for Inauguration Day, according to the National Parks Service.
CNN also reported that “Trump’s team has been in talks to potentially hold some of the festivities at the Capital One arena, where Trump will host a rally on Sunday.” The outlet said that his team is “also in talks with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies about how to handle the tens of thousands of people who had planned to travel to the National Mall to witness Trump being sworn in.”
In his post, Trump said: “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.”
According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature expected Monday in Washington D.C. is 23 degrees and it is expected to be 6 degrees at night.