Trump Inauguration Indoors: Below Freezing Forces Trump Inauguration Indoors: Here’s What We Know

Freezing weather forces Trump’s inauguration indoors (Image credit: AP)

The forecast for bitterly cold weather for Jan. 20 has prompted organizers to move President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

This is the first time in 40 years that the event will not take place on the Capitol steps.
Here is an overview of the changes and their implications:
Where will Trump be sworn in?
The Rotunda is always prepared as an alternative place for the inauguration in case of extreme weather.

The last time it was needed was in 1985 for Ronald Reagan’s second term.
Capitol Police have announced that exterior ticket areas will be closed due to the cold, limiting public access. A small platform has been set up inside the Rotunda for the ceremony. Only President Joe Biden, members of Congress and select guests will be allowed inside to witness the inauguration.
How cold will it be?
The National Weather Service is predicting a temperature of 22°F (-6°C) at noon Monday, making it the coldest inauguration day since 1985, when Reagan’s inauguration recorded 7°F (-14°C).
Trump acknowledged the Arctic blast in a Truth Social post, saying, “I don’t want to see people hurt or hurt in any way.” The cold is expected to rival the conditions during John F Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, which also took place at 22°F.
Critics, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, derided the move indoors. He posted a photo of himself standing in a blizzard with the caption: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.”
Public participation and alternative viewing
When the event moves indoors, most public ticket holders will not be admitted. The House Sergeant-at-Arms has confirmed that the majority of tickets will now be issued as commemoratives.
For those unable to attend the indoor ceremony, Trump announced that Capital One Arena would open its doors for live viewing. Details of seat reservations are still pending.
Changes to the parade
The traditional inauguration parade route, which runs from the Capitol to the White House, will also switch to Capital One Arena. Trump plans to join the crowd there after the swearing-in.
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region is working to adapt the parade’s format to the indoor venue and ensure the participation of marching bands and other groups originally scheduled for the outdoor event.
Other opening events
Despite the adjustments to the swearing-in and parade, other inauguration events remain on the schedule.
These include Trump’s rally at Capital One Arena on Sunday and three inaugural balls on Monday night.
Ticket refund
Since tickets to the originally planned outdoor inauguration were free, refunds are not an issue.
Organizers are continuing to finalize plans for Monday’s historic event and are promising updates as details are confirmed.
Global leaders invited
Global leaders and influential figures are set to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, underscoring its international significance.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed her invitation, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will send a high-level envoy.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India and Argentine President Javier Milei will attend in person. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been invited but has not yet confirmed his presence.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, despite legal challenges and a ban on running for office until 2030, also received an invitation. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has confirmed his plans to attend, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has been invited following Donald Trump Jr.’s attendance at his inauguration last year.
In addition, tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg are among the high-profile guests expected to attend.