President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, as forecasts predict record-low temperatures in Washington, D.C. The decision alters months of meticulous planning for a grand outdoor ceremony with crowds expected to stretch across the National Mall.
Trump Cites Safety Concerns Over Arctic Blast
Trump announced the change on his Truth Social platform, stating, “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.”
The Rotunda has been prepared as a contingency location for past inaugurations in case of extreme weather. The last time a swearing-in was moved indoors was in 1985, when Ronald Reagan took his second oath of office in the same location. Monday’s forecast suggests the coldest Inauguration Day since Reagan’s second term.
Limited Indoor Attendance for Dignitaries
The Capitol Rotunda will accommodate President Joe Biden, members of Congress, dignitaries, and invited guests, but space constraints mean that many attendees will have to watch the ceremony remotely. With over 250,000 ticketed guests and thousands more expected to gather around the Capitol and along the parade route, officials are working on alternative viewing arrangements.
Modified Inaugural Parade at Capital One Arena
To accommodate supporters, Trump announced that the Capital One Arena, which seats 20,000, will serve as an alternative viewing location. He plans to visit the arena after taking the oath and host a modified inaugural parade there.
Other Inaugural Events Remain on Schedule
Despite the venue change for the swearing-in, Trump confirmed that other inaugural events—including a Sunday rally, the inaugural parade, and three official inaugural balls on Monday night—will proceed as planned.
This unexpected shift marks one of the few times in history that an indoor swearing-in has taken place, reinforcing the severity of the Arctic cold sweeping the nation.
