Plans for President Donald Trump’s second inauguration – which he promised would be the ‘blingy-est’ handover ever – have been thrown into ‘total chaos’ because of bitterly cold weather and snow flurries.
Trump will be sworn in as America’s 47th President at noon Washington DC time inside the Capitol Rotunda – instead of outside on the building’s steps – with a party to follow at a sports stadium.
Temperatures tomorrow are expected to hit a low of -11C (12F) and a high of -5C (23F). With the wind chill factored in, forecasters say the temperature will feel significantly colder.
It means that most of the one million fans who have headed to the capital from all over America to celebrate ‘will be left disappointed’. Instead they are being told to watch the ceremony on TV.
A close aide said last night: ‘Trump can control most things but even he can’t control the weather. But fear not – this is going to be the Trumpiest celebration ever.’
Trump has apologised for the change of plans, saying: ‘I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’
Big Mac hamburgers and commemorative bottles of Diet Coke will be given away inside the Capital One sports arena, which is where Trump will head as soon as the swearing-in ceremony ends.
First Lady Melania will wear an American designer – the current favourite is Carolina Herrera for her daytime outfit – but is said to have curated her own gown for tomorrow night’s official inauguration ball.
First Lady Melania will wear an American designer – the current favourite is Carolina Herrera for her daytime outfit – but is said to have curated her own gown for tomorrow night’s official inauguration ball (pictured during the 2017 inauguration day)
Trump will use his Scottish mother’s Presbyterian Bible for the swearing-in (pictured at his previous inauguration in 2017)
Temperatures tomorrow are expected to hit a low of -11C (12F) and a high of -5C (23F). With the wind chill factored in, forecasters say the temperature will feel significantly colder
Trump will use his Scottish mother’s Presbyterian Bible for the swearing-in, before travelling the 1.3 miles to the sports arena, which holds 20,000 people.
There is also speculation that instead of using The Beast, the President’s bombproof Cadillac, Trump may chose to travel part of the way in a white rubbish truck – a symbol of his election victory over Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, Trump is discussing having a second inauguration victory parade in DC in July to make up for the disappointment of tomorrow’s march being cancelled.
For his part, Biden’s family is said to be ‘relieved’ that the frail 82-year-old outgoing President will not have to sit outside for the ceremony.
A White House source said: ‘The idea of him sitting outside in the cold for hours worried everyone, particularly his wife.
‘Now he can be safe and warm and will be able to be seated the whole time. It’s a huge relief.’
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