Freezing temperatures expected in Washington, D.C. on inauguration day have forced a change of plans for Donald Trump. Instead of the usual outdoor ceremony, he and Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn in inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins tweeted, “Due to the dangerously cold temperatures expected Monday, President-elect Trump’s inauguration is moving indoors, sources tell @alaynatreene, @KateSullivanDC and me. Expect Trump and Vance to be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda.”
As for the inauguration parade and other celebrations, Trump’s team is still figuring out where to hold them. One possibility is Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, the same venue where Trump is set to hold a rally the day before the inauguration.
Normally, presidential inaugurations happen outside, but this isn’t the first time bad weather has forced a change. The last time it happened was in 1985 when Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration was moved indoors because of the cold.
Fox News’ Peter Doocy later confirmed the news, and Trump himself made the announcement on Truth Social, explaining his decision.
Trump wrote, “It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. 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!).
Therefore, 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. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!”
Trump also added that Capital One Arena would be open for live viewing of the event and the Presidential Parade. He plans to join the crowd at the arena after his swearing-in ceremony.
Everything else on the schedule will stay as planned, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena on Sunday at 3 p.m., and the three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening. So, despite the cold, Trump’s team is making sure the celebration goes on, just with a few adjustments.
