Inauguration To Move Indoors Amid Dangerously Cold Temperatures

Donald Trump and JD Vance will be sworn in to office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday — instead of outside the Capitol — as Washington, D.C. braces for dangerously cold temperatures, the president-elect posted on Truth Social.

The entire inauguration ceremony, including prayers and speeches, will move indoors. The last time cold weather scuttled the outdoor inauguration ceremony was in 1985 when Ronald Reagan was sworn into his second term. James Monroe’s second inauguration was also held inside the Capitol, in the House chamber, because of a snowstorm.

The National Weather Service is projecting sunny weather at the National Mall on Monday, with a high of around 23 degrees.

Trump, in the post, said an “Arctic blast” threatened “dangerous conditions” and “severe record lows” for his supporters and the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders and others who were expected to attend the event. The National Weather Service is projecting a high around 23 degrees at the National Mall on Monday.

“This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!” Trump said.

Trump said that he would open Capital One arena in downtown Washington Monday for a live viewing of the event, and for the presidential parade. He said he will join the crowd at the arena following the ceremony.