Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony thrown into uncertainty with last minute change to location
President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration has been moved following concerns about the weather forecast.
The Republican’s second inauguration is going to move indoors, Trump confirmed.
Temperatures could drop as low as -14C in Washington DC, with strong winds also forecast, reports NBC.
The last time the ceremony was moved indoors was fellow-Republican Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
Trump said on his Truth social media platform: “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!
“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).”
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Trump announced that his supporters will be able to watch the inauguration ceremony from the arena as well.
He 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.”
Several Trump supporters who were already in Washington DC ahead of the inauguration on told reporters they were disappointed to hear the news
Ken Robinson, who traveled from Oklahoma, said: “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.”
Jose Granado, who traveled from Miami for the inauguration, told NBC News: “We made all of the plans and all of the arrangements to come up and be a part of this event.
George Gonzalez added: “We’re prepared for the weather, it’s not a problem.”
Harry Troyer, who traveled with Robinson, said: “We have farms, and we don’t get to not feed the cows ’cause it’s cold.”