President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that his inauguration ceremony would be relocated indoors because of dangerously cold temperatures predicted for Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The event will now take place in the US Capitol Rotunda, a decision reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration, which was also moved indoors due to severe weather conditions.
“I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also revealed plans to accommodate the public in a separate venue. “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” he added.
Reports earlier in the day suggested that Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance would take their oaths of office in the Rotunda. Discussions were also underway to move portions of the celebration to Capital One Arena, where Trump is scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday.
