Due to dangerously cold weather in Washington, D.C., the president-elect’s swearing-in ceremony will take place indoors at the Capitol.
Citing extreme cold potentially hazardous to attendees and security personnel, President-elect Donald Trump announced his inauguration speech will be held inside the Capitol building.
Traditionally, U.S. presidents are sworn in outdoors on the Capitol’s West Front, with a large crowd gathered on the National Mall.
“January 20th cannot come fast enough!” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday. “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 attributed the decision to an “Arctic blast” and predicted “severe record lows” and wind chill in Washington on Monday, creating unsafe conditions for the “hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours,” as well as law enforcement and their animals.
Therefore, the inauguration address, prayers, and other speeches will be held within the Capitol Rotunda, mirroring President Ronald Reagan’s 1985 indoor inauguration due to cold weather.
“This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” Trump added on social media. “In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!”
The ceremony will be broadcast live from Capital One Arena, a nearby basketball and hockey venue. The arena is already booked for Trump’s Sunday afternoon Victory Rally, and he plans to join the crowd there on Monday after the swearing-in.
“Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” the president-elect stated.
Historically, presidents elected in early November were sworn in on March 4th. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, shifted the inauguration to January 20th.
The ceremony typically includes members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, former presidents and their spouses, foreign ambassadors, and the new president’s special guests.
Some Americans receive tickets through their Congressional representatives for designated Capitol grounds viewing, while the general public usually watches from the National Mall where the event is shown on large screens.
President Biden’s 2021 inauguration featured tens of thousands of National Guard troops surrounding the Capitol, with no public access, due to the administration’s concerns about a potential “insurrection” following the January 6th riot.