President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration was moved indoors after reports indicated that weather conditions will be the coldest in 40 years.
Trump made the announcement in a social media post, revealing that officials are in the process of planning the logistics of him being sworn in inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda rather than in the typical ceremony outside of the Capitol building.
The incoming president emphasized in the post that his decision to move the ceremony indoors was based on his desire to protect people from the effects of the bad weather.
“It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself,” Trump wrote. “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. “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 (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).”
Trump went on to explain that all of the dignitaries and guests who are planning to attend the inauguration would be brought inside the Capitol building for the event.
Trump announces the inauguration will take place indoors this year. pic.twitter.com/auNJ5T3c5r
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 17, 2025
According to ABC News, the weather on January 20 is expected to make it the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years — with the forecast showing that temperatures could be less than 20 degrees with a windchill feeling as low as five degrees. Former President Ronald Reagan was the last president to be sworn in indoors, with the ceremony taking place in 1985 with temperatures at just seven degrees and a wind chill of -25 degrees.
Trump also addressed the other planned Inauguration Day events in his social media post, noting: “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
He noted that his team has been in discussions with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies about what to do with the tens of thousands of people who are traveling to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration.
“All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening,” Trump added.
