How will the Inauguration moving indoors impact the ceremony and attendees? A comprehensive guide to the changed plans
- NewsBlend360
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 21
BY NEWS BLEND 360
Updated 1:06 PM EST, January 18, 2025
WASHINGTON (NB360) — Forecasts for sub-freezing temperatures on Monday in Washington indicate that President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda. Consequently, most visitors to Washington will not be able to witness the ceremony in person.
This marks the first time in 40 years that the swearing-in will not occur on the Capitol steps. Efforts are underway to accommodate some attendees at the city's professional basketball and hockey arena.
Here are the known arrangements as organizers adjust to these changes:
Where will Trump now be sworn in?
The Rotunda is always prepared as a contingency for each inauguration in case of adverse weather conditions. The last indoor swearing-in occurred in 1985 when President Ronald Reagan began his second term. Monday's forecast predicts the lowest Inauguration Day temperatures since that year.
President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other dignitaries and notable guests will be able to view the ceremony from inside the Capitol. On Friday, workers were setting up a small platform in the Rotunda.
The U.S. Capitol Police have announced that outside ticketed areas at the Capitol will be closed due to the extremely cold weather, so even if people wished to gather as Trump takes the oath inside, they will not be permitted to do so.
How cold is it going to get on Monday?
The National Weather Service forecasts a temperature of approximately 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-6 Celsius) at noon EST, when Trump becomes president. This would be the coldest since Reagan's second inauguration, which experienced temperatures dropping to 7 degrees (minus-14 Celsius).
"The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could result in severe record lows," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don't want to see people hurt or injured in any way."
In 2009, the temperature was 28 degrees (minus-2 Celsius) for Barack Obama's swearing-in. Biden was sworn in four years ago in a relatively mild 42 degrees (5.5 Celsius).
A few Democrats have humorously commented on Trump's decision.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in the Democrats' losing 2024 campaign, posted a photo of himself standing in a snowstorm with the caption, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing."
Monday's forecast temperature is similar to that of 64 years ago in Washington when John F. Kennedy took the oath in 22-degree weather, following overnight efforts to clear 8 inches of snow from the parade route. Kennedy delivered his speech from the Capitol's east steps without a topcoat, his breath visible in the cold air.
A half-century earlier, William Howard Taft held his 1909 inauguration indoors after 10 inches of snow fell. At that time, the inauguration was still held on March 4, not January 20.
How many members of the public can attend the inauguration inside?
In his social media post about the weather-related change, Trump stated that "various Dignitaries and Guests" would be accommodated in the Rotunda for the ceremony. The exact number of attendees or their identities remain unclear.
According to a notice from the House's sergeant at arms to congressional offices, most of the seats planned for an outdoor ceremony will be excluded, and those tickets will become "commemorative." Organizers are still determining whether they can admit people with tickets in sections 3 and 4, which would have been directly in front of the outdoor stage.
The Rotunda can accommodate approximately 600 people, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
According to Trump's post, Capital One Arena—where the incoming president plans a rally on Sunday afternoon—will be open again on Monday for "LIVE viewing of this Historic event." No information is currently available on how to secure a seat inside the arena on Monday. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 people.
What about the parade? Is it still happening?
Trump also mentioned that Capital One Arena would "host the Presidential Parade." He stated that he would "join the crowd" at Capital One after taking the oath.
The parade is organized by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, which is assessing necessary changes and how the parade will proceed.
Typically, thousands of people line the route from the Capitol to the White House, which the president traditionally follows after the swearing-in ceremony. Marching bands and other participants from across the country come to Washington to participate, so they are expected to be part of the newly arranged indoor festivities.
Are other inaugural events still happening?
According to Trump, yes. The Republican president-elect announced on Friday that other inaugural events, including the Sunday rally and his participation in three inaugural balls on Monday night, will proceed as scheduled.
If I choose not to go to the inauguration, can I get a refund?
Tickets to the inauguration, initially planned to be outdoors, are free, so refunds are not applicable.
Inquiries by the Associated Press regarding any plans by American Airlines and United Airlines to offer refunds or other arrangements for travelers altering their plans were not immediately answered. Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines have no changes in policy. Similar requests to hotel chains including Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Best Western Hotels were not immediately answered.
A Transportation Department spokesperson advised travelers to consult its "Fly Rights" consumer guide at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights.
Comments