In a historic decision, President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his upcoming inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously cold temperatures expected to hit Washington, D.C. on Monday. This marks the first time an inauguration has been held inside since President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, when temperatures also dropped to below freezing.
In a Truth Social post, Trump explained, “The weather forecast for Washington D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.” He added that the decision was made with public safety in mind, particularly for the tens of thousands of law enforcement officers, first responders, and attendees who would typically gather for the outdoor ceremony.
Cold Weather Threatens Traditional Outdoor Ceremony
The forecast for Washington, D.C., predicts brutal cold conditions, with wind chills making it feel like single-digit temperatures. With a potential snowstorm on the horizon, the swearing-in ceremony could be one of the coldest on record. Temperatures are expected to dip to the upper 20s, with winds that could intensify the cold even further.
Trump, who had initially planned for the inauguration to take place on the U.S. Capitol’s West Front, where previous ceremonies have been held, cited the risks posed by the cold. “It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s, and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th,” he stated, urging those planning to attend to dress warmly.
The U.S. Capitol Rotunda: A Historic Location for the Ceremony
The decision to hold the ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda is a nod to Reagan’s second inauguration, which was similarly relocated indoors due to frigid temperatures. The Rotunda, which typically accommodates smaller events such as state funerals, has the infrastructure to seat approximately 100 people, with additional accommodations being made for the large crowd expected to attend.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies confirmed the change in location, stating, “The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda.” This marks a significant moment in U.S. political history, as it highlights the impact of extreme weather on ceremonial traditions.
The Impact on the Presidential Parade and Other Events
While the traditional outdoor parade down Pennsylvania Avenue will be rerouted due to the cold weather, Trump has confirmed that the Capitol One Arena, a sports venue, will serve as an alternative location for the parade viewing and other events. The venue, which is also used for Trump’s first rally following his election victory, will allow the public to watch the ceremony in warmth and comfort.
In addition, Trump assured that all other events planned for the inauguration, including the three Inaugural Balls, will proceed as scheduled, providing the opportunity for the new president to engage with his supporters following his swearing-in.
A Historic Cold Snap
The decision to move the inauguration indoors due to extreme cold temperatures follows a long-standing tradition where ceremonial events were once held indoors when conditions warranted it. Early presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, held their inaugurations inside the Capitol. However, the outdoor tradition began after the Capitol building was severely damaged in the War of 1812, and outdoor swearing-ins became the norm. The last time the inauguration ceremony was moved inside was in 1985 during Reagan’s second term, with temperatures plummeting to 7°F (-13°C) and a wind chill that made it feel as cold as -40°F.
With record cold temperatures expected for this year’s inauguration, President-elect Trump’s decision to prioritize public safety over tradition has set the stage for a memorable and unconventional ceremony as the nation swears in its next leader.
With files from The Guardian and Fox News
