Trump's Inauguration Moved Indoors to Capitol Rotunda for First Time in 40 Years

Jan 18, 2025, 02:15 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his inauguration ceremony on Monday will be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of dangerously cold temperatures and an Arctic blast sweeping across the country. The decision, made with public safety concerns in mind, marks the first time in 40 years that a presidential inauguration has been relocated indoors, with the last occurrence during Ronald Reagan's second term in 1985. Temperatures at noon on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., are predicted to be about 18 or 19 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills potentially dropping to between -10 and -20 degrees, making it one of the coldest inauguration days on record. Trump stated that he has ordered the inauguration address, prayers, and other speeches to be delivered inside the Capitol Rotunda. Vice President-elect JD Vance will also be sworn in indoors. All tickets for the ceremony have been deemed commemorative, and ticket holders will not be able to attend the ceremony in person. Discussions are ongoing regarding the inaugural parade and other celebrations, but all other events are expected to proceed as scheduled.