WASHINGTON DC (LOOTPRESS) – President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors to the United States Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously cold temperatures projected for Inauguration Day.
The last time a president was sworn in indoors was in 1985, when Ronald Reagan took the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda because of extreme cold, with temperatures at 7 degrees and a windchill of -25.
Inauguration Day Plans Adjusted
Trump confirmed the move on Truth Social, stating, “I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather.”
In addition to the indoor ceremony, Trump announced that Capital One Arena will host a live viewing of the event and serve as the venue for the Presidential Parade. “I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump posted.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will also take his oath of office in the Rotunda. Trump’s team is reportedly finalizing details for events at Capital One Arena, where Trump is scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday.
Extreme Weather Concerns
Forecasts for Monday, January 20, predict temperatures in the low 20s—nearly 20 degrees below normal—making it potentially the coldest inauguration since Reagan’s second term. Winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected, leading to wind chills around 10 degrees during the day and possibly dropping into the single digits by nightfall.
A mix of rain and snow is forecast for Sunday, but Monday’s weather is expected to be dry, though bitterly cold and windy.
Trump expressed concern for the safety of attendees, including law enforcement and first responders who will be on duty. “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way,” Trump posted. “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.”
Historic Precedent
Reagan’s 1985 inauguration serves as the closest precedent for this decision. His outdoor inaugural parade was also canceled due to frigid temperatures. Trump’s team aims to preserve the celebratory spirit of the day by hosting events at Capital One Arena, ensuring that supporters can participate safely indoors.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly if planning to attend outdoor events surrounding the inauguration.
