As President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Monday, reports emerged indicating that at least seven local police departments in the Washington, D.C. area declined to offer assistance for the ceremony. The reasons behind the local authorities’ reluctance to support the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring security for Inauguration Day at the Capitol remain unclear.
The refusal from more than six police departments may have resulted in the MPD operating with a significantly reduced number of officers to protect this important event. Previous inaugurations, including President Trump’s first in 2017, experienced considerable unrest from demonstrators and rioters. Nevertheless, the MPD confirmed that they would deploy thousands of officers, with support from several local departments.
While the exact motivations for the refusal were not fully explained, some speculated that it stemmed from a disagreement regarding a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the police departments. A spokesperson for the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland stated, “I was just told that based on the current MOU, we will not be assisting Metro PD.”
Additionally, police departments from Howard and Queen Anne’s County in Maryland informed the Daily Caller that they would not be contributing to inauguration security. Notably, Howard PD mentioned that it had provided security in 2017 but was not invited to participate this year. Queen Anne’s County cited “technical difficulties” as the reason for their non-participation.
In contrast, Anne Arundel County, Maryland State Police, and Prince George’s County confirmed their commitment to assist Capitol Police during the inauguration. The MPD emphasized that it is “working closely with our local, state, and federal partners as we prepare for the 60th Presidential Inauguration,” adding that ensuring the safety and security of District residents and visitors is their top priority.
The inauguration, which is usually conducted outdoors, was relocated to the Capital Rotunda due to unusual weather conditions. Trump announced this change on Truth Social, stating, “An Arctic blast is sweeping across the country. I do not wish to see anyone harmed or injured in any manner.” He further remarked, “The conditions are perilous for the tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders, police K9s, and even horses, as well as the hundreds of thousands of supporters who will be outside for extended periods on the 20th (In any case, if you choose to attend, please dress warmly!).”
In explaining the decision, the Capitol Police noted, “At the request of the President-elect and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the 60th Inauguration will take place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The ticketed areas outside, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, will be closed to ticketed guests on Monday, January 20, due to the extremely low temperatures anticipated in Washington, D.C. The United States Capitol Police, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will maintain a heightened security posture with an increased presence of law enforcement and multiple layers of physical security. The security perimeter will remain unchanged.”
