Presidential Inauguration Will Be Held Indoors Due to Cold Weather

Ahmad Austin Jr.Jan 17th, 2025, 11:58 am

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance has been moved indoors due to the “dangerously” cold weather.

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reported Friday that sources informed her of the change of plans. Trump and Vance will now be sworn in inside the U.S. Capitol.

“Due to the dangerously cold temperatures expected Monday, President-elect Trump’s inauguration is moving indoors, sources tell @alaynatreene, @KateSullivanDC and me,” Collins tweeted late Friday morning. “Expect Trump and Vance to be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda.”

Due to the dangerously cold temperatures expected Monday, President-elect Trump's inauguration is moving indoors, sources tell @alaynatreene, @KateSullivanDC and me. Expect Trump and Vance to be sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda.

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 17, 2025

According to additional reporting from CNN, discussions regarding the inaugural parade and other festivities are still underway. Trump’s team is contemplating holding some of them Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. It’s the same venue where Trump will hold a rally Sunday.

Although the presidential inauguration is traditionally held outside, it has been moved inside on numerous occasions. The last indoor inauguration was in 1985, when then-President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term. Like this year, it was moved inside due to severe cold.

Shortly later Friday morning, Fox News’ Peter Doocy confirmed the report that the inauguration was being moved indoors.

Colleague Peter Doocy confirms inauguration to move indoors

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 17, 2025

Trump also confirmed the news in a Truth Social post, saying:

It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).

Therefore, 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. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!

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.

All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening.