Trump inauguration moved indoors because of freezing temperatures

President-elect Trump’s inauguration ceremony is being moved indoors because of expected bitter cold Monday in Washington, D.C.

Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are expected to be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda rather than on the West Front of the Capitol.

Trump laid out additional details in a Truth Social post, including that he would join a crowd of supporters at Capital One Arena after his swearing-in for the traditional parade.

“It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself,” Trump posted. “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 continued. “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!).”

High temperatures Monday are expected to be in the low 20s, with the wind chill making it feel like the single digits. There is also the potential for fresh snow to be on the ground following a storm Sunday.

The Washington Post reported Trump’s inauguration was on track to be the coldest since former President Reagan’s 1985 ceremony, which was also moved inside because of the temperature.

Trump said his inaugural address as well as prayers, speeches and performances set to take place around the swearing-in will happen in the Rotunda.

“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 posted.

Capital One Arena will be opened up for a live viewing of the event, he said, to accommodate guests who otherwise would have watched the proceedings outside. The presidential parade, which typically takes place down Pennsylvania Avenue, will instead take place inside the arena.

Other events, including inaugural balls Monday evening, are set to go forward as planned. Trump is also holding a “victory rally” Sunday afternoon at Capital One Arena.

The shift in plans means fewer people will be able to watch the proceedings in person, something that may irk Trump. After his first inauguration drew a smaller crowd than some previous ceremonies, then-press secretary Sean Spicer infamously took to the podium to declare it was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration.

Updated at 12:11 p.m. EST

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