Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration: A Warm Indoor Affair
As President Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the ceremony will be held indoors due to the harsh winter conditions expected in Washington, D.C. on Monday, where temperatures are predicted to plunge below 20 degrees. With the wind chill factored in, it may feel as if the temperature is in the single digits, prompting a move to an indoor venue.
Inauguration Details and Historical Context
Trump will take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The festivities will continue with an inaugural parade at the Capitol One Arena. This marks a notable decision, as Trump isn’t the first president to choose an indoor venue due to inclement weather. In fact, this inauguration is expected to be the coldest since 1985, when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated for his second term amid a frigid 7-degree day. Like Trump’s event, Reagan’s ceremony took place indoors, with the planned outdoor parade canceled due to the extreme cold.
Presidential Inaugurations and Inclement Weather
History shows that many presidents have opted for an indoor swearing-in ceremony when faced with severe weather conditions. A notable example is William Taft, who was inaugurated in 1909 inside the Senate chamber after Washington, D.C. was hit by a blizzard that left nearly 10 inches of snow. Nevertheless, the inaugural parade that followed featured an impressive 20,000 participants braving the elements outdoors.
Humor Amidst the Cold
Taft humorously acknowledged the chilly circumstances, stating, “I always knew it would be a cold day in hell when I became president,” as reported by the Washington Post.
Balancing Tradition and Comfort
While some presidents have braved the cold for the sake of tradition, others have made the pragmatic choice to stay indoors. For instance, President John F. Kennedy was sworn in on a brisk 22-degree day, just a day after an unexpected eight-inch snowfall covered the D.C. area. The U.S. Army Engineers worked diligently to clear the snow, ensuring that the inauguration and subsequent parade could proceed as planned, despite the challenging weather.
Encouragement to Stay Warm
As the inauguration date draws near, Trump has encouraged attendees to dress warmly but also mentioned the option of watching the ceremony from home. On January 17, he took to Truth Social to express his concern, stating, “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.”
