Anticipated freezing weather forces Trump’s inauguration indoors

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*Trump during his first inauguration on January 20, 2017. Photo credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times

The January 20, 2025 inauguration of US President Donald Trump will be done inside the Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously low temperatures expected in Washington D.C.

The president-elect said he would be sworn in and deliver his inauguration address inside the Capitol Rotunda.

“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. … Therefore, I have ordered the inauguration address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

“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!”

“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Due to this change, the “vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person,” according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).

“At this time we know that those with tickets for the Presidential Platform and members of Congress will be able to attend in person.

“While we know this is difficult for many attendees, we strongly suggest people who are in Washington for the event attend other indoor events at indoor venues of their choice to watch the inauguration,” the statement said.

In a statement, the U.S. Capitol Police said the ticketed outside areas on the West Front of the Capitol will be closed on Monday. The Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies working to secure the inauguration “will still have a heightened security posture with an increased law enforcement presence and layers of physical security,” Capitol Police said.

The National Special Security Event D.C. Joint Information Center said the Secret Service is working with its partners “to adapt our security plans as needed.”

In an email to House offices, the House Sergeant at Arms asked congressional offices to tell constituents who had been given tickets that they are now “commemorative” since the majority of those with tickets will no longer be able to watch the proceedings in person.

When Trump is sworn in at noon on Monday, the temperature will be about 18 or 19 degrees.

The inauguration is forecast to be the coldest in 40 years, since President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 which was also conducted indoors due to the weather.

The temperature that morning fell to a low of 4 degrees below zero. The temperature was just 7 degrees at noon, marking the coldest January Inauguration Day on record. Reagan’s parade was also canceled.

With agency reports