The political climate in Capitol Hill has been as frosty as the winter weather that has descended upon Washington, D.C.
The city, currently in the throes of its harsh winter season, is bracing for an arctic front that is sweeping across the country. This icy blast is expected to reach the nation's capital just in time for the inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term.
According to RedState, the plummeting temperatures have prompted a significant change in the inauguration day plans. Thousands of foreign dignitaries, special guests, and American citizens are set to converge on Washington to witness the swearing-in ceremony. However, the severe weather conditions have necessitated a shift of many inaugural activities, including the swearing-in ceremony, to the indoors of the Capitol Rotunda.
The President-elect himself announced this change on Truth Social, stating, "January 20th cannot come fast enough! Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. 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 further elaborated on the weather conditions, noting, "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 dont 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 light of these concerns, Trump has ordered the Inauguration Address, prayers, and other speeches to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, a decision reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's 1985 inauguration, which was also moved indoors due to extreme cold. Trump assured that this would be a "very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience."
In addition to the change in venue, Trump also announced that the Capital One Arena would be opened on Monday for live viewing of this historic event and to host the Presidential Parade. He also confirmed that all other events, including the Victory Rally and the three Inaugural Balls, would proceed as planned.
Trump's announcement included a weather map, indicating that Monday's temperature in DC could drop to a chilling 6 with wind-chill factored in. There is also an expectation of snowfall on Sunday night, which could potentially cause further disruptions.
This is not the first time a presidential inauguration has been forced indoors due to harsh weather conditions. President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985 was moved indoors as temperatures had dropped to dangerous levels. His swearing-in was held in the Capitol, and the parade was relocated to the now-demolished Capitol Centre in Landover, Maryland.
As the inauguration day approaches, those planning to attend any of the inaugural ceremonies are advised to dress warmly and prepare for the frigid temperatures. Despite the cold, the spirit of the event promises to be warm, as the nation comes together to witness the beginning of President Trump's second term.
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