President-elect Donald Trump has made a last-minute change to Monday’s inaugural itinerary, though it’s not necessarily one that he wanted or anticipated.
Team Trump announced on Friday that his inauguration will be moved indoors because of the frigid temperatures forecast for the Washington, D.C., area. Unfortunately, that will shortchange the number of guests who had tickets for the outside venue.
“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. 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 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!),” the president-elect said in his announcement on TruthSocial.
“Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” he added.
“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump said.
“All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening,” the president-elect said.
“Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump concluded.
The Joint Congressional Committee always has contingency plans in place to host the inauguration in various locations for weather issues or other concerns and has adjusted its plans accordingly, according to CNN.
“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,” the panel said in an announcement.
“The vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person,” the committee informed ticket holders on Friday, asking spectators to watch at “indoor venues of their choice,” adding that the panel will be “designating certain places to watch and will provide additional information.”
There is no word on how the move will affect the performances of some of music’s biggest stars at the event.
“We already know that Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood are set to sing at Donald Trump‘s inauguration, but they’re not the only country stars who’ll be front and center at the festivities,” CT40 reported.
“Greenwood will also perform at The Make America Great Again Victory Rally, along with Billy Ray Cyrus, Kid Rock, and The Village People. The singers famous for ‘YMCA’ are also on tap for The Liberty Ball, along with Jason Aldean and another surprise guest,” it said.
The Commander-in-Chief Ball will also feature country stars Parker McCollum and Rascal Flatts.
Tech CEOs Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, along with Alphabet, the parent company of Google, CEO Sundar Pichai, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, will also be on hand for the inauguration, according to reports.
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