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President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration ceremony will move indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather conditions forecasted for Washington, D.C., on Monday. The decision, revealed via Trump’s Truth Social account, prioritizes safety for attendees and law enforcement personnel amid an Arctic blast sweeping the nation.
“Inauguration Day will be a very cold one, and I don’t want to see people hurt or injured,” Trump posted. “The ceremony will take place indoors, as was done for President Reagan in 1985 due to similar conditions.”
Historic Weather Prompts Change
The National Weather Service predicts a high of 20°F and a low of 6°F for Monday, with strong winds exacerbating the chill. This marks one of the coldest inauguration days in U.S. history. The last time an inauguration ceremony was moved indoors was Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, when the temperature hit 7°F.
Trump also highlighted the risks to law enforcement and first responders who would spend hours outdoors managing the event. “I want to ensure the safety of all — from police and K9 units to horses used in patrols — as well as the hundreds of thousands of supporters expected,” he said.
Supporter Reactions and Adjustments
The venue change disappointed some supporters who had already traveled to the capital, planning to witness the ceremony on the National Mall.
“We made all the arrangements to come here, and we were prepared for the weather,” said George Gonzalez, who traveled from Miami. “It’s disappointing, but we understand.”
Ken Robinson, visiting from Oklahoma, echoed the sentiment: “We came to watch it in person, not on a Jumbotron. It’s frustrating, but safety comes first, I guess.”
Alternative Viewing Options
To accommodate supporters, Trump announced that Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., will host a live viewing of the inauguration ceremony and parade. The arena, which holds up to 20,000 people, will also host an indoor rally Sunday evening.
“We will open Capital One Arena for LIVE viewing of this historic event,” Trump posted. “I will join the crowd at Capital One after my swearing-in.”
A Unique Inauguration Day
This change is expected to reduce crowd sizes on the National Mall significantly. Fencing in the area began to be dismantled Friday evening, and officials confirmed no plans to broadcast the ceremony on outdoor screens.
While the frigid weather will make for a uniquely challenging inauguration, Trump expressed optimism, calling the indoor event “a beautiful experience for all, especially for the large TV audience.”
