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Donald Trump’s inauguration day ceremony has been relocated indoors due to extreme weather conditions, making this year’s event one of the coldest Inauguration Days in decades.

 However, some of Trump’s supporters are questioning whether the change of venue stems from security concerns rather than the forecasted freezing temperatures.

A Cold and Crowded Inauguration

Initially, more than 220,000 ticket holders were set to witness Trump’s swearing-in ceremony outdoors. Alongside these attendees, an estimated 400,000 people were expected to line the surrounding streets and the National Mall.

The decision to move the event to the Capitol Rotunda limits in-person attendance to only a few hundred. This drastic reduction marks a sharp contrast to the large-scale spectacle Trump had originally envisioned.

Tens of thousands of Trump supporters, many traveling from across the country, had already arrived in Washington, D.C., when the announcement was made. Adding to the scene, an estimated 50,000 anti-Trumpers are expected to march through Washington DC to protest.

Trump’s Social Media Warning

Trump addressed the extreme weather on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying:
"With the windchill, temperatures in DC could hit record lows. There's an Arctic blast sweeping the country."

He expressed concern for the safety of attendees, writing:
"I don't want anyone to get hurt or injured. The conditions are dangerous for the thousands of law enforcement officers, first responders, K9 units, horses, and the hundreds of thousands of supporters who would be outside for hours. If you decide to come, dress warmly."

Trump included screenshots from the National Weather Service, which forecasted wind chills as low as -12°C.

To accommodate the public, live streams of the ceremony will be set up at the nearby Capital One Arena, allowing people to watch the proceedings without enduring the harsh weather.

Security Measures Heightened

The change in venue has also fueled speculation among Trump’s supporters, with some suggesting the extreme weather explanation is a cover for heightened security concerns.

On the campaign trail, Trump survived two assassination attempts, one of which left him injured when he was shot in the ear.

Following these incidents and concerns over a lapse in Secret Service protection, authorities have implemented an unprecedented security operation for the inauguration. The effort includes:

• 25,000 security responders led by the U.S. Secret Service.
• Collaboration among 40 agencies, including the FBI, local police, and the military.
• Concrete barriers, non-scalable fences, and garbage trucks to prevent unauthorized entry.
• 30 miles of climb-resistant fencing around the Capitol.
• Local law enforcement will be boosted by 4,000 reinforcements from other agencies across the country, and by 7,800 National Guard soldiers
• The use of drones, K-9 units and police robots will monitor crowds and check for hazardous materials.

Residents in Washington, D.C., noticed these security measures being put into place days before the event, signaling the high level of precaution.