WASHINGTON — With freezing temperatures expected on Monday, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in from the Capitol Rotunda, marking a deviation from the traditional ceremony typically held on the Capitol steps. This change means that many visitors to the nation’s capital will not have the opportunity to witness the event in person for the first time in four decades. Arrangements are being made to host some guests at a local sports arena, which will provide a space for viewing.
The Rotunda has been set up as a backup location for presidential inaugurations in case of severe weather and was last utilized for such a purpose in 1985 when President Ronald Reagan took his oath for a second term. Monday’s forecast indicates the coldest temperatures on Inauguration Day since that event.
Attendees including President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other important figures will be able to view the ceremony from within the Capitol itself, where a small platform was under construction as of Friday. However, the U.S. Capitol Police announced that due to the extreme cold, certain areas outside the Capitol will be closed off, preventing large groups from gathering outside to witness the ceremony.
The National Weather Service forecasts a temperature of around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-6 Celsius) at noon EST, coinciding with Trump’s swearing-in. This would mark the coldest Inauguration Day in recent history, outdone only by Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, which saw temperatures drop to 7 degrees (minus-14 Celsius). In a message on his platform, Trump expressed concern for public safety, emphasizing that he doesn’t want anyone to be harmed due to severe weather conditions.
In contrast, Barack Obama was sworn in with temperatures at 28 degrees (minus-2 Celsius) in 2009, while Joe Biden’s inauguration took place under much milder conditions at 42 degrees (5.5 Celsius) four years ago.
Some Democrats have made light of Trump’s decision, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who humorously highlighted the importance of appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions by posting a picture of himself in a snowstorm.
The forecast for Monday reminds some people of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, which also faced a temperature of 22 degrees amidst fresh snowfall in 1961. At that time, Kennedy delivered his address without a top coat while his breath was visible in the cold air. Similarly, William Howard Taft’s inauguration in 1909 was moved indoors due to a significant snowfall, as ceremonies then were held on March 4.
Trump indicated on social media that various dignitaries and guests will be present for the Rotunda ceremony, but details regarding the number of attendees and their identities remain unclear. It was noted that most of the outdoor tickets issued will now serve as “commemorative” due to the change in venue, with the Rotunda having a limited capacity of approximately 600 people. Meanwhile, Capital One Arena will be available for a live viewing of the event, with a capacity of 20,000 attendees.
As for the traditionally held parade, Trump confirmed that it would now take place at the Capital One Arena where he plans to join the crowd post-ceremony. The parade is generally managed by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, which is currently assessing the necessary adjustments.
Regarding other inaugural events, Trump affirmed that they will proceed as planned, including Sunday’s rally and the three inaugural balls set for Monday night.
For those unable to attend the inauguration this year, tickets were free, thus no refunds are needed. Airlines such as Delta and Southwest have indicated they will maintain their current policies, while inquiries from major airlines regarding adjustments remain unanswered. Hotel chains have also not provided immediate responses about changing reservation policies due to the weather. A spokesperson from the Transportation Department suggested checking the “Fly Rights” consumer guide for traveler assistance.
