Capitol grapples with last-minute Trump inauguration changes

(CLO) With less than 72 hours to prepare, staff at the Capitol are rushing to move Donald Trump's second inauguration from outdoors to indoors, at the request of his team.

The decision means more than 2,000 people will cram into the Rotunda instead of outdoors in the coldest weather since the days of former President Ronald Reagan.

The abrupt change disappointed thousands of Trump supporters who had traveled to Washington hoping to attend the event. Due to capacity restrictions, only lawmakers, senior officials, Trump’s family and a handful of invited guests were able to attend in person.

The west facade of the Capitol. Photo: CC/Wiki

Remaining ticket holders were told that their tickets were for commemorative purposes only. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies recommended that guests find other indoor locations to watch the event on television.

Capitol staff raced against time to dismantle the outdoor stage and prepare for an indoor event.

This is not the first time an inauguration has had to be relocated at the last minute. In 1985, Reagan's second inauguration was moved to the Rotunda because of record cold. In 1909, former President William Taft's inauguration was also affected by a blizzard.

The decision to change the venue had significant security implications. With a limited guest list and no public attendance, the security threat to Mr. Trump was significantly reduced.

Security at the Capitol remains high with heavy fencing and hundreds of law enforcement officers on duty, especially after safety concerns from Mr Trump's election campaign last year.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, will oversee the change. While some Democrats have said they will not attend, Ms. Klobuchar stressed that they respect Mr. Trump’s decision.

Ngoc Anh (according to Politico, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dien-capitol-vat-lon-voi-thay-doi-le-nham-chuc-vao-phut-chot-cua-ong-trump-post331025.html