WASHINGTON — Facing a severe Arctic blast, President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration ceremony on Monday will move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda. The forecast predicts frigid conditions in Washington, D.C., with a high of 20 degrees, a low of six degrees, and strong winds.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This marks only the second time an inauguration ceremony has been moved indoors due to extreme cold, the last being Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 when temperatures dropped to seven degrees. Former President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration is also noted as one of the coldest, with sub-freezing temperatures.
Trump shared the decision on Truth Social, stating, “The Inauguration Address, along with prayers and other speeches, will be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, just as Ronald Reagan did in 1985 due to very cold weather. This will be a beautiful experience, especially for the large TV audience.”
Trump expressed concern for public safety, noting the dangerous conditions for law enforcement, first responders, and supporters expected to gather outside. “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way,” he added, urging attendees to dress warmly if they plan to brave the weather.
Despite the change, Trump will hold an indoor rally Sunday at the Capital One Arena, which will also host live viewing of the inauguration and the presidential parade on Monday. The arena has a capacity of 20,000, significantly smaller than the National Mall, where initial plans estimated a turnout of 250,000 people in non-ticketed areas.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from Trump supporters already in Washington. Jose Granado, who traveled from Miami, expressed disappointment, saying, “We made all the plans and arrangements to be part of this event.” Others, like George Gonzalez, said they were prepared for the weather but may now consider staying home to watch on TV.
The ceremony’s relocation highlights the challenges posed by the cold snap, with Trump reassuring supporters of a memorable experience, even if it unfolds differently than initially planned.
