President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, originally planned as an outdoor event, will take place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday due to an Arctic blast gripping the nation. This marks the first time in 40 years that U.S. presidential inaugural ceremonies will be moved indoors because of severe cold.

Forecasts for Washington predict temperatures of 19°F (-7°C) at the time of the ceremony, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Trump announced the change on his Truth Social platform, stating, “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”

The last inauguration moved indoors due to extreme weather was in 1985 for Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in when wind chills dropped to as low as -20°F (-29°C).

A worker dismantles the wiring of the scene where the Marine Band was scheduled to perform during the inauguration following the announcement that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is being moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures expected on Monday, in front of the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, U.S., January 17, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

According to Reuters, Trump’s inauguration address, prayers, and other ceremonies will be held in the Capitol Rotunda, significantly reducing attendance. Instead of the planned outdoor parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, Trump’s inaugural parade will be moved to the Capital One Arena, a sports venue in downtown Washington with a capacity of 20,000.

The president-elect also announced plans to join supporters at the arena after his swearing-in. However, how the parade will be conducted indoors remains unclear.

Before the inauguration, Trump plans to host a rally on Sunday evening at the Capital One Arena, allowing supporters to gather indoors in advance of Monday’s ceremony.

Reduced Crowd Size 

The change will drastically limit public attendance, eliminating comparisons to crowd sizes from previous inaugurations—a contentious topic for Trump after his first inauguration in 2017. More than 220,000 ticketed guests who were due to watch from the Capitol grounds and an estimated 250,000 unticketed attendees expected on the National Mall will no longer be able to see the ceremony in person.

People stand at the rotunda where the inaugural address will take place after it was announced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is being moved indoors due to dangerously cold temperatures expected on Monday, in Washington, U.S., January 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The National Park Service, responsible for managing the National Mall, has yet to confirm whether the public will still be allowed to gather on the Mall to watch the ceremony on video screens already installed.

The U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are adjusting security plans for the modified event. Despite the logistical challenges, inaugural ceremonies have a history of braving winter’s chill.

Notable examples include:

  • William Henry Harrison (1841): Delivered the longest inaugural address in wet and freezing conditions without a coat or hat, which may have contributed to his death from pneumonia just one month later.
  • Ulysses S. Grant (1873): His second swearing-in featured bitter cold, with attendees collapsing and gusting winds drowning out his speech.