Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony Relocated to Capitol Rotunda/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Due to an Arctic blast, Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday will move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, marking the first indoor inauguration in 40 years. With outdoor ticketed areas closed, organizers are adapting plans for attendees, including using Capital One Arena for live viewing. The coldest Inauguration Day since Reagan’s 1985 ceremony has forced significant changes.
Trump Inauguration Moves Indoors: Quick Looks
- Indoor Ceremony: Swearing-in relocated to the Capitol Rotunda, accommodating only 600 people.
- Historic Cold: Forecasts predict 22°F temperatures, the coldest since Reagan’s 1985 inauguration.
- Outdoor Closures: Ticketed outdoor areas at the Capitol will be closed to the public.
- Parade Adjustments: The presidential parade will be held at Capital One Arena.
- Live Viewing: The arena, holding 20,000 people, will host attendees for a live feed.
Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony Relocated to Capitol Rotunda
Deep Look
Swearing-In Ceremony Goes Indoors
Facing sub-freezing temperatures and dangerously low wind chills, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda. This marks the first indoor swearing-in since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
The National Weather Service predicts temperatures around 22°F (–6°C) at noon EST, with wind chills making it feel significantly colder. The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that outdoor ticketed areas will remain closed for safety reasons.
The Rotunda, which holds about 600 people, will host the ceremony for Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, members of Congress, and select dignitaries. A small platform is being set up for the event, but the vast majority of ticket holders will receive commemorative tickets instead of access to the ceremony.
How Cold Is It?
Monday’s expected temperatures would make this the coldest January Inauguration Day since Reagan’s 1985 ceremony, when temperatures plunged to 7°F (–14°C). For comparison:
- 2009: Barack Obama’s first inauguration saw 28°F (–2°C).
- 2021: Joe Biden’s ceremony was a relatively mild 42°F (5.5°C).
- 1961: John F. Kennedy delivered his speech in 22°F (–5.5°C) weather after a snowstorm.
Trump addressed the decision on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing safety: “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”
Parade and Live Viewing Changes
The traditional presidential parade along Pennsylvania Avenue is being replaced with an indoor event at Capital One Arena, which can accommodate up to 20,000 attendees. Trump plans to join the crowd there after the swearing-in.
Marching bands and other parade participants will still perform as part of the indoor festivities, although final details are being worked out by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, which oversees parade logistics.
Capital One Arena will also host live viewing of the swearing-in ceremony. Organizers have not yet provided details on how attendees can secure seats for Monday’s events.
Other Inaugural Events
Despite the cold, most inaugural events are proceeding as planned:
- Sunday Rally: Trump will hold a rally at Capital One Arena after a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Inaugural Balls: Three evening balls on Monday will cap the celebrations.
Impact on Travel Plans
Tickets for the outdoor inauguration ceremony were free, so no refunds are necessary. However, airlines and hotels have not yet announced whether they will accommodate travelers who may change plans due to the relocation and freezing weather.
Travelers can consult the Transportation Department’s Fly Rights guide for information on rights and airline policies at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Cold: Monday’s weather marks the coldest Inauguration Day in decades.
- Indoors Move: The Capitol Rotunda will host the swearing-in, with limited capacity.
- Public Access: Capital One Arena will offer live viewing for thousands.
- Parade Changes: The traditional parade shifts to an indoor format at the arena.
- Events Continue: Despite the weather, most inaugural celebrations remain on schedule.
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