The swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Trump’s inauguration will be moved inside because of cold temperatures forecast for Washington, D.C., Fox News has learned.
Trump announced Friday that he had ordered that his inaugural address and other ceremonial prayers and speeches be held in the United States Capitol Rotunda due to expected winter conditions.
“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump posted on Truth Social, addressing the expected cold.
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“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!).”
Brutal cold and ferocious winds are expected for the D.C. region on Monday, with temperatures expected to fall to the upper 20s, FOX Weather reported.
With the wind chill, it will feel more like single digit temperatures. There is also a possibility of snow from a storm forecast on Sunday.
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Trump said the Capital One Arena will be open Monday for live viewing of his inauguration “and to host the Presidential Parade.”
“I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing in,” Trump wrote.
The three Inaugural Balls on Monday will proceed as scheduled.
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The Inaugural Committee confirmed Trump’s decision in a statement.
“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,” a committee spokesperson said.
The last time inauguration ceremonies were moved indoors was in January 1985, for President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration. Regan had taken the oath of office the day before at the White House, but public ceremonies the next day took place inside while the temperature was 7 degrees with a windchill of -40.
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President Thomas Jefferson was also inaugurated inside the Capitol, as was the custom early in the republic’s history.
President James Monroe’s inauguration was moved outside because the Capitol was so badly damaged after the War of 1812 when the British burned the building. That started the outdoors custom.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
