The Cold Forced Reagans to Move Inauguration Indoors

Like the Trumps, Ronald and Nancy Reagan faced a tough decision in January 1985 due to dangerously cold weather. White House press secretary Larry Speakes revealed that the couple was "disappointed" to move Reagan's second inauguration indoors. This decision stemmed from serious health concerns as temperatures dropped to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill that could cause frostbite in less than five minutes.

President-elect Trump's recent choice to hold his inauguration in the Capitol Rotunda echoes this precedent set by the Reagans. As temperatures are projected to be below freezing, Trump's decision reflects similar considerations about participant safety. In 1985, high-level consultations with medical and military experts advised strongly against holding the event outside, underlining the severity of the potential health risks for all involved.

Speakes emphasized the Reagans' concern was primarily for the public, not themselves, despite President Reagan being nearly 74 at the time. Their focus was on the thousands potentially exposed along the parade route, on the National Mall, and in attendance at the festivities. "Knowing that—what the medical people told them—that they would have had severe frostbite," was a key factor in their decision, Speakes conveyed. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)