Sat Jan 18 03:41:58 UTC 2025: **Unprecedented Cold Forces Trump’s Inauguration Indoors**
Washington, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to sub-freezing temperatures predicted for Monday, January 20, 2025. This marks the first time in 40 years that a presidential swearing-in will not take place on the Capitol steps.
The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 Celsius) at noon, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since 1985. This decision comes after President-elect Trump expressed concern for public safety given the extreme cold and windchill.
The Rotunda, used as a backup location in case of inclement weather, is being prepared to host a scaled-down ceremony. While President Biden, members of Congress, and other dignitaries will attend, the majority of the public will be unable to witness the event in person. Ticketed areas outside the Capitol will be closed.
To accommodate some attendees, Capital One Arena will serve as a secondary viewing location for the ceremony and will also host the Presidential Parade. President-elect Trump plans to join the crowds there after the swearing-in. Organizers are scrambling to adjust plans for the parade, which usually involves thousands of spectators lining the route from the Capitol to the White House.
While some Democrats jokingly commented on the situation, the decision reflects the severity of the predicted weather. This marks a significant shift from previous inaugurations, including President Kennedy’s 1961 ceremony, which also took place in freezing temperatures, but outdoors. The last time an inauguration was held entirely indoors was in 1909, when President Taft’s ceremony followed a heavy snowfall.
The change of venue means that the vast majority of tickets for the outdoor ceremony will be rendered commemorative, with uncertainty remaining regarding access for some ticket holders. No refunds are being offered for the free tickets, and major airlines and hotel chains have yet to announce any specific adjustments to their policies regarding travel arrangements. Other inaugural events, including a Sunday rally and the inaugural balls, will continue as planned.
First Piper 