Donald Trump’s Inauguration Moved Indoors Due to Record-Breaking Cold
Washington, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that his inauguration ceremony, traditionally held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, will be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to an Arctic blast expected to sweep through Washington, D.C., on Monday. Temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of just 23°F, with wind chills dipping into single digits, potentially making this the coldest inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second in 1985, which was also moved indoors.
A Change of Venue
The decision to relocate the swearing-in ceremony to the Rotunda means the audience will be significantly smaller than originally planned. The Rotunda can accommodate only a limited number of attendees, leaving many lawmakers, staffers, and invited guests uncertain about their plans. For context, Reagan’s 1985 indoor inauguration had just 96 attendees, a stark contrast to the 535 members of Congress, Trump’s family, Supreme Court justices, Cabinet appointees, and other VIPs expected for Monday.
“This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Alternative Viewing Options
To accommodate supporters, Trump announced that the Capital One Arena in downtown D.C., with a capacity of 20,000, will host a live screening of the swearing-in ceremony and the presidential parade. After taking the oath of office, Trump plans to visit the arena to celebrate with attendees.
“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade,” Trump wrote. “I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
The arena, located in the Chinatown neighborhood, is already secured as part of road closures announced for the inauguration. Updates on road closures and security measures will be available on inauguration.dc.gov.
Impact on Events and Security
The U.S. Secret Service, along with federal and local partners, is working closely with the Presidential Inaugural Committee to adapt security plans for the shift in venue. Alexi Worley, spokesperson for the National Special Security Event D.C. Joint Information Center, confirmed that details on road closures, parking restrictions, and other public impacts will be released as they become available.
Trump’s other inaugural events, including Sunday’s Victory Rally at Capital One Arena and three Inaugural Balls, will proceed as scheduled indoors.
Mixed Reactions
The abrupt change has left many members of Congress scrambling for details. Several lawmakers expressed uncertainty about their attendance at the indoor ceremony. Meanwhile, supporters who traveled to D.C. for the event voiced disappointment about not being able to witness the swearing-in on the National Mall.
Despite these challenges, Trump assured attendees and viewers that the event would remain memorable. “Instead of standing outside, attendees should go to Capital One Arena for a live viewing on Monday,” he wrote.
Looking Ahead
As Trump prepares to take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States, his supporters will gather in a warmer setting to celebrate the historic occasion. The Capitol Rotunda will serve as the backdrop for the swearing-in, while the Capital One Arena will host thousands of attendees eager to witness the event in comfort.
For updated details on the inauguration, road closures, and related events, visit inauguration.dc.gov.