President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that his inauguration ceremony on January 20 will be moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures forecasted for Washington, D.C. The event will now take place in the United States Capitol Rotunda, a decision reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s 1985 indoor inauguration, which was also moved due to severe weather.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said, “I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather.”
To accommodate the public, Trump added that Capital One Arena will be opened on January 20 for live viewing of the historic event, as well as to host the Presidential Parade. “I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” he stated.
Officials expressed concerns about the extreme cold posing health risks to attendees, law enforcement, first responders, and others present. Trump addressed these concerns directly, emphasizing safety: “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. 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. (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!),” he urged.
The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensuring the safety and comfort of all involved in the inauguration.
