Trump is likely to avoid the inaugural crowd size controversy by moving the swearing-in indoors
Debates over President-elect Trump’s inaugural size were particularly controversial in 2017, with the White House insisting that the media had underreported Trump’s numbers.
By his oath now he is moving inside due to the harsh winter weather, Trump is likely to avoid any questions about attendance this time around.
Fox News learned Friday that Trump’s inauguration will be moved indoors due to freezing temperatures forecast for Washington, DC on Monday. Trump announced that he had ordered his inaugural address and other ceremonial prayers and speeches to be held in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol to protect people from evil.
“Weather forecast for Washington, DCwith the wind chill factor, could lead to record low temperatures,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
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The US Capitol building is surrounded by fences and bollards in Washington, DC, on Friday. Preparations are underway for the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Monday. (Fox News Digital)
“The arctic blast is sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt or hurt in any way. Conditions are dangerous for the tens of thousands of police officers, emergency responders, police K9s and even horses, and the hundreds of thousands of fans who will be out there for many hours on the 20th. ( Anyway, if you decide to come, dress warmly!)” he continued.
Trump also said Capital One Arena would be open Monday for live viewing of his inauguration “and to host the presidential parade.”
“I will be joining the crowd at Capital One, after my swearing in,” Trump wrote.
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The inaugural committee confirmed Trump’s statements, saying the ceremony would be moved inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda, a committee spokesman said.
With attendees no longer able to gather outside in the cold, any photo ops for Trump and record crowds are likely out of the picture, as is any chance for people to challenge Trump’s claim of a 2017 crowd size.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer blasted reporters shortly after President-elect Trump’s first inauguration after inaccurately reporting the size of the crowd. (The Associated Press)
Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer condemned the press shortly after Trump’s first inauguration, accusing the media of inaccurately reporting attendance numbers.
The day after the inauguration, Spicer said that “photographs of the inauguration proceedings were deliberately framed in a way, in one particular tweet, to diminish the overwhelming support that gathered on the National Mall.”
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He also said at the time that “inaccurate numbers regarding the size of the crowd were also posted on Twitter. No one had numbers, because the National Park Service, which controls the National Mall, does not release any.”
“These attempts to dampen the enthusiasm of the inauguration are shameful and wrong,” Spicer said.
The Washington Post reported at the time that Trump called acting director of the National Park Service on his first day in office to challenge photos circulating online of his inaugural grandeur.
President Biden also faced obstacles during his inauguration in 2021 due to large crowds due to restrictions due to the coronavirus. (Getty Images)
President Biden he also faced crowd-sized obstacles during its inauguration in 2021 due to the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus. His ceremony was sparsely attended and included former presidents and first ladies. Participants wore face masks and many did not adhere to social distancing guidelines, with several seen high-fiving and hugging each other.
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The last inauguration ceremony to be moved indoors was President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in January 1985. Reagan was sworn in at the White House the day before the ceremony, while public events the next day were held indoors due to temperatures reaching 7 degrees with winds from -40.
Fox News’ Chris Pandolfo, Peter Doocy, Chad Pergram and Aishah Hasnie contributed to this report.
