President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony has been relocated indoors due to anticipated severe weather conditions, not because of security concerns, according to Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, law enforcement personnel, and animals involved in the event. She stated, “It is going to be very, very cold. There was also a concern about law enforcement personnel, the horses, the K9 dogs. There’s so much that goes into protecting a president on Inauguration Day.”
The ceremony, originally planned for the Capitol’s West Front, will now take place in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, which accommodates approximately 2,000 people. This change has affected many ticket holders, as the majority will not be able to attend in person. Alternative viewing arrangements have been made at the Capital One Arena.
While the indoor venue simplifies security logistics, officials have not identified any credible threats to the inauguration or the Capitol. Enhanced security measures, including a significant police and military presence, strict restricted item lists, and extensive barriers, have been implemented to ensure the safety of all participants.
This adjustment mirrors the 1985 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, which was also moved indoors due to extreme cold. President-elect Trump, at 78, will be the oldest individual sworn into the U.S. presidency.