A severe cold front in Washington, D.C., forced President Donald Trump to move his inauguration indoors in January 2025, making it the first indoor inauguration since 1985. Public safety concerns were raised by the forecasted temperatures, which were expected to range from -10°C to -20°C with possible snowfall. Using the Arctic-like conditions as justification to avoid injuries, Trump made the announcement on social media.
His prior outdoor rallies in southwestern states, where supporters braved extreme heat without experiencing the same issues, stand in contrast to this decision. For example, at least 11 people were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses during a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, when temperatures hit 44°C.
Likewise, 24 people needed medical care at a rally in Las Vegas because of the heat.
There could be a number of reasons for the varying reactions to the weather at these events:
An official, high-profile event, the inauguration requires extensive logistical and security preparation. Attendee safety must always come first, especially in light of the predicted extreme cold.
The choice to hold the inauguration indoors is consistent with previous procedures in the event of severe weather, such as the 1985 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, which was also conducted indoors because of the cold.
Compared to campaign rallies, inaugurations usually have more participants and require more preparation. The decision to move the event indoors might have been influenced by the resources needed to control sizable crowds in inclement weather.
On the other hand, there might not be as much logistical support or public safety considerations at campaign rallies, particularly those that are held outside in warmer climates. As a result, weather-related issues are handled more loosely.
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