President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration will be moved indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously low temperatures predicted for Washington, D.C., on Monday. This marks the first time in 40 years that a U.S. presidential inauguration will take place indoors, a decision last made during Ronald Reagan's second swearing-in ceremony in 1985 when temperatures dipped to perilous levels.
Trump revealed the adjustment on Truth Social, emphasizing concerns for public safety. "I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda," he wrote. "We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for live viewing of this historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One after my swearing-in."
The announcement followed consultations with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, which confirmed the relocation and acknowledged the challenges posed by the decision. The move affects thousands of attendees, as the Rotunda's capacity is limited to approximately 700 people, primarily members of Congress, their families, and VIPs. Capital One Arena, with a capacity of over 20,000, will serve as the primary venue for public viewing. Those unable to secure space in the arena have been urged to watch the event from alternate indoor locations.
The abrupt shift has necessitated a complete overhaul of security arrangements. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and Capitol Police, had spent months preparing for an outdoor event expected to draw over 220,000 ticketed attendees and thousands more unticketed spectators along the National Mall. More than 30 miles of fencing had been installed to manage crowds, along with an extensive system of checkpoints. With just days remaining, officials are racing to implement new security measures tailored to the indoor event and its overflow venues.
Trump's decision reflects an acknowledgment of the severe weather conditions forecasted for Inauguration Day. Temperatures are expected to hover around 19°F, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Gusts of up to 30 mph could further exacerbate the frigid conditions, creating potentially hazardous situations for attendees and security personnel alike. Trump noted the risks in his announcement, urging caution and warmth for those still planning to be outdoors.
The last time extreme weather prompted such a change was during Reagan's second inauguration, which was moved to the Capitol Rotunda under similarly harsh conditions. Historical precedent has highlighted the challenges of cold-weather inaugurations, most notably in 1841, when President William Henry Harrison delivered an extended address in freezing rain without proper attire, leading to his death from pneumonia a month later.
While the change has been met with understanding by many, it has also sparked disappointment among those who planned to attend the ceremony in person. Tammy Matte, a school secretary from Mississippi, canceled her family's trip to Washington after learning they would not see the ceremony live. "We don't feel it's worth it not to see the ceremony in person," she said.
Despite the logistical upheaval, Trump remains optimistic about the day's significance. His campaign team has indicated that the parade, originally planned to traverse Pennsylvania Avenue, will now be held inside Capital One Arena. Trump has vowed to join attendees there after taking the oath of office, ensuring the celebratory atmosphere continues despite the challenges.
The National Park Service, which had prepared for large crowds on the National Mall, has yet to announce whether public gatherings will still be permitted to view the indoor ceremony on existing video screens. Meanwhile, officials are finalizing plans for enhanced security at Capital One Arena to accommodate the anticipated influx of attendees.
