WASHINGTON–Were it not for the masses beginning to arrive at Ronald Reagan
International Airport donning “Make America Great Again” hats and American flag
apparel, one might not know the significance of this brisk weekend in Washington, D.C.
No signs, no flags and no posters – nothing indicating that in just 72 hours, the 47th
president of the United States officially will be sworn into office.
As inauguration visitors hustled through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
terminals Friday afternoon, tangible anticipation hung in the air. For some, Jan. 20 will
be a celebration of a new era in American politics as they gather to witness this historic
ceremony. For others, like the activist groups gathering to protest, the day represents a
loss that goes beyond politics.
Washington so far looks neutral. Seems as if the visitors — not the capital and its
suburbs — are the only ones in celebratory mood. Perhaps the decorations are more
visible closer to Capitol, but the area’s overall inauguration decor falls short of matching
the spirited enthusiasm of those who came to watch.
— Dara Karadsheh
Cold snap forces inauguration inside
WASHINGTON– With an arctic blast bringing freezing temperatures and a cold windchill
to the area, Inauguration Day may look a little different this year. Temperatures in the
nation’s capital will take a harsh dip to a high of only 23 and a low of 11.
In a Truth Social post on Jan. 17, President-elect Donald Trump ordered the swearing-
in ceremony moved to the United States Capitol Rotunda.
“I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured in any way,” Trump wrote. “It is dangerous
conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, police K9s,
and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many
hours on the 20th.”
It has been 40 years since cold weather forced inauguration festivities inside. In 1985,
Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in also moved to the Rotunda because of freezing
temperatures.
— Allie Litzinger
