Trump Inauguration Moved Indoors Due to Extreme Cold Weather Forecast
When is trump’s inauguration?
Washington, DC – In a historic shift, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 20, 2025, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of dangerously cold weather. The announcement marks the first time in 40 years that a presidential inauguration will be held indoors.
Weather Forces a Change of Venue
The decision comes as weather conditions in Washington, DC, are expected to be among the coldest for an inauguration day since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985, when temperatures dipped to 7°F with wind chills as low as -25°F. On Monday, noon temperatures are projected to hover in the low 20s, with wind chills dropping into the single digits. Gusts of up to 30 mph are also forecast, making outdoor conditions hazardous.
In a statement, President-elect Trump said, “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt, including our amazing law enforcement, first responders, and the hundreds of thousands of supporters planning to attend. These are dangerous conditions.”
Limited Attendance Inside the Capitol Rotunda
The relocation to the Capitol Rotunda significantly reduces the number of attendees. The Rotunda can hold approximately 700 people, compared to the outdoor National Mall, which typically accommodates hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies stated that only members of Congress, their spouses, and VIPs will be allowed inside.
Ticket holders who can no longer attend are being offered commemorative tickets as keepsakes.
Capital One Arena to Host Public Viewing
For the larger crowd, Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, will serve as the primary public venue. With a capacity of 20,000, the arena will host a live viewing event, as well as the Presidential Parade following the swearing-in ceremony. Trump himself is expected to join the crowd at the arena after his inauguration.
“Capital One Arena will be a place where supporters can witness this historic event together in warmth and safety,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Security Adjustments Underway
The decision to move the inauguration indoors has triggered a massive overhaul of security plans. The Secret Service, DC Police, and other agencies are reworking strategies originally designed for outdoor events. The inauguration had been designated a National Special Security Event, with over 25,000 personnel deployed to secure the area.
Officials indicated that securing the Rotunda and Capital One Arena will involve measures similar to those used during State of the Union addresses.
Historic Precedent for Indoor Inaugurations
The last indoor inauguration occurred in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan moved his ceremony into the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid temperatures. Reagan’s outdoor parade was canceled altogether.
Historians note that extreme weather has impacted inaugurations before. William Henry Harrison famously caught pneumonia after delivering a two-hour speech in freezing rain without a coat or hat during his 1841 inauguration, a decision believed to have led to his death just 31 days later.
A Cold and Historic Day Ahead
The 2025 inauguration marks Donald Trump’s return to the presidency as the 47th president of the United States, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance. The inauguration time is set for 12:00 PM EST, with coverage beginning early in the day.
Despite the frigid conditions, Trump expressed optimism, saying, “This is a day for the people, and I’m honored to celebrate it with all Americans. Together, we’ll brave the cold and make history once again.”
For those asking “when is Trump’s inauguration?” and “what time is the inauguration?”, the ceremony begins at 12:00 PM EST on Monday, January 20, 2025, with events at Capital One Arena running throughout the day.
This year’s inauguration may be remembered not only for its indoor location but also for its resilience in the face of some of the coldest inauguration day weather in modern history.
