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Parts of Donald Trump’s inauguration will be moved inside the U.S. Capitol due to frigid weather expected Monday in Washington.
It will be the first time since 1985 – when a severe cold snap hit Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration – that an inauguration ceremony will be held indoors.
The president-elect announced the revised plans in a Truth Social article Friday, saying he had ordered the inauguration address, along with prayers and speeches, to be delivered inside the Capitol rotunda, as Reagan did it four decades ago.
“There is an arctic explosion sweeping the country. Under no circumstances do I want to see people hurt or harmed,” Trump wrote.
“These are dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement officers, first responders, police K9s and even horses, as well as the hundreds of thousands of fans who will be outside for many hours on the 20th. “
The National Weather Service said an “enhanced winter storm threat” was in place Sunday afternoon and evening, and predicted about 2 to 4 inches of snow would fall, with a “reasonable worst-case scenario” of 4 to 8 inches.
“Extremely cold wind chills” were expected Monday through Wednesday, the NWS said Friday, which forecast temperatures “well below freezing” during that time.
The agency is forecasting a high of around -5C on Monday at 11 a.m. local time when the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin, with a wind chill of -13C that it said could lead to hypothermia or severe injuries. frostbite without proper clothing.
Trump said the 20,000-capacity Capital One Arena would be open Monday for a live screening of the ceremony, and that he would tour the venue, located about 1.2 miles from the Capitol, after his performance. oath.
Other events, including a victory rally at the arena planned for Sunday and inaugural balls scheduled for Monday evening, will continue as planned, the president-elect said.
Trump encouraged his supporters who choose to come to “dress warmly!” »
