American Hindu Coalition to host Trump’s oath viewing in Virginia

File photo of Donald Trump / Reuters

Due to severe cold weather, President-elect Donald Trump announced on Jan. 17 that the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony will be held indoors, with the Presidential Parade relocated to a nearby sports arena.

Following this announcement, the American Hindu Coalition (AHC) said it will host a special Presidential Oath Viewing Get-Together on Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dhoom Restaurant in Tysons Corner Mall. 

The venue will offer a warm and inviting space for Indian American community members to gather and celebrate this historic occasion, as the traditional outdoor ceremony is moved indoors.

The event will feature delicious cuisine provided by the American Hindu Coalition, along with a live broadcast of the Presidential Oath Ceremony and parade on a giant TV and projection screen. Attendees will have the chance to join together in marking the official start of the new administration, with President-elect Donald Trump officially taking office at noon.

The decision to move Trump’s Inauguration ceremony indoors is a rare event, driven by forecasts predicting the coldest inauguration in 40 years and the possibility of snow in Washington, D.C. 

Traditionally held outdoors on the Capitol’s West Front, the ceremony symbolizes transparency and public accessibility. However, extreme weather conditions have prompted this shift to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees. 

Due to this change, the ceremony will see limited in-person attendance, with only a small number of ticketed guests, members of Congress, and officials allowed inside, making it an unusual departure from the inclusive nature of past inaugurations.

Trump’s decision to move his inauguration ceremony indoors due to extreme cold has sparked speculation. While harsh weather has historically prompted such changes, some believe the move may also be linked to security concerns or political optics. 

Social media users have debated the decision, with some emphasizing safety for Trump, his family, and guests, while others suggest it reflects broader challenges in a divided nation.

An X user wrote, “An indoor inauguration is a much better move. There’s never been a president-elect in more obvious danger than Donald Trump.”

Another user named Jas Gill said: “For safety of President Trump, his family, Vice President J D Vance, his family and their invited guests,  indoor inauguration is better. Weather conditions will be intolerable for attendees at The National Mall as well as services and security providers! Safety First!”
 

For safety of President Trump, his family, Vice President J D Vance, his family and their invited guests, indoor inauguration is better. Weather conditions will be intolerable for attendees at The National Mall as well as services and security providers! Safety First!

— Jas Gill (@jsgill1945) January 17, 2025

‘A new chapter in India-US relations’

Deelip Mhaske, a New Jersey-based leader in the Indian-American community, said that Trump’s inauguration marked a “transformative moment in India-U.S. relations”.

“The new administration is committed to deepening economic and strategic partnerships between our two nations,” Mhaske said. “Their ambitious goal of surpassing $1 trillion in U.S.-India investments underscores a clear intent to create unprecedented opportunities for growth. This vision includes streamlining policies to make the U.S. a premier destination for Indian companies, simplifying entry for businesses, and removing bureaucratic and regulatory barriers.”

Mhaske highlighted that the Indian-American community, now over 4.5 million strong, is one of the most successful immigrant groups in the United States. They contribute more than $100 billion each year to the U.S. economy through entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership in fields like technology, healthcare, and education.

He also noted that Indian students in the U.S. add over $8 billion annually to the economy, further strengthening India’s role as a key partner in shaping America’s future.

“This renewed focus on bilateral ties will not only open new avenues for collaboration in industries like technology, defense, and renewable energy but also bolster cultural and people-to-people connections. Together, we are laying the foundation for an era of shared prosperity and mutual respect."