Trump's Inauguration Moves Indoors Due to Arctic Chill
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Synopsis
President-elect Donald Trump is shifting his inauguration to the Capitol Rotunda amidst an Arctic blast warning, reducing the anticipated outdoor spectacle. The ceremony will feature international leaders and a focus on safety due to extreme cold temperatures.
Key Takeaways
- Trump's inauguration is moved indoors due to extreme weather.
- International leaders are invited to the ceremony.
- Safety concerns prompted the change in venue.
- The event will retain traditional elements, including religious blessings.
- Live telecast available at Capital One Arena for supporters.
New York, Jan 18 (NationPress) President-elect Donald Trump is relocating his inauguration events to the Capitol Rotunda due to the looming threat of an “Arctic blast” — severe cold and high winds — expected on Monday in Washington, reducing the traditional spectacle that typically draws hundreds of thousands of attendees.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday afternoon, he revealed that the swearing-in ceremony, along with his inaugural address, additional speeches, and prayers will be conducted in the rotunda beneath the Capitol dome, which houses the Senate and House of Representatives.
He mentioned, “The various Dignitaries and Guests will be welcomed into the Capitol. This will be a beautiful experience for all, especially for the extensive television audience!”
The swearing-in is set to occur at noon local time (10:30 pm IST) and will be broadcast live on various networks and online platforms.
Trump is initiating a new tradition for U.S. presidential inaugurations by inviting foreign leaders to participate in his swearing-in.
India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the inauguration.
Attendees will include China’s Vice President Han Zheng, standing in for President Xi Jinping, whom Trump had also invited, along with Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
While excluding many European leaders, Trump has extended invitations to his ideological allies, such as Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage, France’s Reconquete party president Eric Zemmour, Belgium’s Vlaams Belang party leader Tom Van Grieken, and former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Trump, who has shifted his stance to support TikTok, stirred controversy by inviting its CEO Shou Chew to the inauguration, which is set to occur three days after the Supreme Court upheld a law mandating the sale or shutdown of the Chinese short video platform due to national security concerns.
Among the special invitees are Twitter owner and Tesla founder Elon Musk, who has become a key adviser to Trump, along with tech CEOs Sundar Pichai of Google, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta/Facebook, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, and Tim Cook of Apple.
During the swearing-in, Melania Trump will hold the bibles as he places his left hand on them and raises his right hand to take the oath of office, which will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.
In 2017, Trump used his personal bible and, in a historical nod, the one utilized by President Abraham Lincoln during his 1861 oath.
JD Vance will take the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
The Rotunda spans only 706 square meters, where the VIPs, both foreign and domestic, will be accommodated.
Trump stated that his decision was made solely to avoid any “hurt or injury” to attendees due to weather conditions that could result in severe record lows.
Weather predictions indicate a high of -4 degrees Celsius and a low of -13 degrees, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h, potentially making the “real feel” temperature between -11 and -16, following snow on Sunday.
Trump referenced a precedent for indoor swearing-ins, citing President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1985, which occurred on a particularly cold day.
He encouraged individuals to watch a live telecast of the swearing-in at Capital One Arena, a sports venue with a capacity of 20,000, stating he would join them there.
In lieu of the customary march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, marching bands will perform at the arena.
Trump confirmed that other inauguration festivities, including the balls and parties, will proceed as scheduled.
The day’s events will kick off with a religious service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, situated across from the White House.
This will be succeeded by the traditional tea at the White House, hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill, prior to their departure to the Capitol.
The swearing-in ceremony will be rich in religious symbolism.
A Catholic cardinal and an evangelical pastor will provide the invocation, while blessings will be given by a Jewish rabbi, a Catholic bishop, a Christian pastor, and a Muslim imam.
Following the swearing-in, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will receive a ceremonial send-off.
Trump will attend a luncheon at the Capitol, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee organizing the inauguration.
The agenda includes a review of military contingents in front of the Capitol before proceeding to the arena.
This year’s inauguration was initially expected to occur outdoors in front of the Capitol, similar to his first in 2017. Trump sent out email and text blasts to supporters urging them to attend the event.
He cautioned that the conditions could be “dangerous” and advised, “If you choose to come, dress warmly”!
The arctic chill sweeping across parts of the U.S. will serve as a dampener for Trump, who favors grand spectacles and large crowds.
During his first inauguration in 2017, he engaged in a dispute with the media, claiming there were “a million and a half people” present, which he believed the media had undercounted.
