President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration will be moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures forecasted for the nation’s capital. “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,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
He further revealed that Capital One Arena would open on Monday to facilitate live viewing of the event and host the Presidential Parade. “I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump added.
Indoor Venue Confirmed
Reports earlier in the day from CNN indicated plans for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance to take their oaths inside the Capitol Rotunda. Discussions were also underway regarding the use of Capital One Arena, where Trump is scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday, for some of the inaugural festivities.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies issued a statement confirming the move: “The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda.”
Such contingency plans are always considered to accommodate weather or other unforeseen obstacles, but the shift raises logistical concerns. The Rotunda’s limited capacity leaves the committee grappling with how to accommodate the thousands of ticketed guests who were to attend the outdoor ceremony.
In a notice to ticket holders, the committee explained, “The vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.” Spectators were encouraged to view the event at designated indoor venues, with further details promised. Members of Congress and those with tickets for the Presidential Platform, however, will retain in-person access.
Adjusting Security Measures
The Secret Service, alongside the DC and U.S. Capitol Police, is working to revise security plans for the event, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the matter. This shift presents a logistical challenge, as agencies must condense months of preparation into a three-day window.
Trump’s inauguration, initially planned as an outdoor ceremony and parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, had been declared a National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, triggering extensive federal coordination. More than 30 miles of fencing had already been erected to manage the anticipated crowds, which law enforcement estimated would include hundreds of thousands of attendees.
By moving the ceremony indoors, security requirements may become more manageable in certain aspects, sources told CNN. The Rotunda, with a capacity of about 700 people, will only admit members of Congress, their spouses, and VIPs. Public access will be restricted, and attendees have been redirected to Capital One Arena, which has a seating capacity of just over 20,000.
However, this adjustment leaves a significant gap, as over 200,000 tickets were distributed for the outdoor inauguration. In a communication to congressional offices, the Sergeant at Arms clarified, “The weather plan precludes the vast majority of ticketed guests from attending the ceremonies in person.” Tickets are being offered as commemorative keepsakes for those unable to attend.
Security measures for the arena and its surroundings remain under discussion between the Secret Service, DC police, and other agencies.
Health and Weather Concerns
Trump emphasized his concerns for the health and safety of attendees, citing the extreme cold as a risk. “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. 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 on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!),” he posted on Truth Social.
The last time a U.S. president was inaugurated indoors was in 1985, during Ronald Reagan’s second term. Temperatures that year reached a daytime high of just 7 degrees, with wind chills plunging to -25. Reagan took his oath inside the Capitol Rotunda, and the inaugural parade was canceled.
The dangers of frigid weather during such events are well documented. President William Henry Harrison, in 1841, is believed to have contracted pneumonia after delivering a two-hour inaugural address outdoors without wearing a coat or hat. He died one month later.
Forecast for Inauguration Day
This year’s inauguration day weather is shaping up to be the coldest since Reagan’s second inauguration. Temperatures at noon, when Trump is scheduled to take the oath, are expected to be in the low 20s—approximately 20 degrees below average for this time of year.
Wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph, with peaks of up to 30 mph, will create even harsher conditions, making it feel like 10 degrees during the day and potentially dropping wind chills to single digits after sunset.
A mix of rain and snow is predicted for Sunday, the day before the inauguration, but Monday is forecasted to be dry, albeit cold and windy.
Conclusion
While the decision to move the inauguration indoors prioritizes safety, it has necessitated significant adjustments for attendees and security personnel alike. Capital One Arena and designated viewing venues will play a crucial role in accommodating the public as the nation witnesses this historic event.