WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place inside the U.S. Capitol on Monday. Severe cold forced the ceremony indoors for the first time in 40 years. Trump announced the change on Friday, citing safety concerns for attendees.
An Arctic blast is sweeping the country, making outdoor events dangerous. Trump stated on Truth Social, “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.” He ordered the swearing-in ceremony and other events to move to the Capitol Rotunda.
This marks the first indoor inauguration since 1985, when Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in was moved indoors due to temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) with wind chill. On Monday, Washington’s temperature is expected to reach 19°F (-7°C), but wind chill will make it feel even colder.
Trump also announced changes to the presidential parade. Originally planned for Pennsylvania Avenue, it will now take place inside Capital One Arena, a sports venue with a 20,000-person capacity. Trump said he will join supporters there after the swearing-in.
Crowd Size and Public Access Impacted
The move indoors drastically reduces the number of people who can watch the inauguration in person. Over 220,000 ticketed guests and 250,000 unticketed attendees had been expected to gather at the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall. However, only a fraction of those people can now fit inside Capital One Arena.
Many supporters canceled their plans due to the changes. Tammy Matte, a school secretary from Mississippi, decided against making the 1,000-mile drive. “We don’t feel it’s worth it not to see the ceremony in person,” she said.
The National Park Service has not confirmed whether people can still gather on the National Mall to watch the ceremony on outdoor video screens.
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Security Plans and Historical Context
The U.S. Secret Service is adjusting security plans to accommodate the indoor ceremony and other changes. Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for law enforcement, said they are working closely with Trump’s inauguration committee to ensure safety despite the weather.
Inaugurations have faced harsh weather before. In 1985, Reagan’s swearing-in faced extreme cold. In 1841, William Henry Harrison delivered his inaugural address without a coat, later dying of pneumonia. President Ulysses S. Grant’s 1873 inauguration saw cadets collapse from frigid winds, and his speech was inaudible to attendees.
Trump’s decision to move the ceremony indoors reflects a cautious approach to extreme weather, prioritizing safety over tradition. As his inauguration approaches, supporters and officials alike prepare to adapt to the challenges of the winter chill.
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