The forecast of severe cold weather for January 20 has prompted organisers to relocate President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.
This marks the first time in 40 years that the event will not take place on the Capitol steps.
Here’s a breakdown of the changes and their implications:
Where will Trump be sworn in?
The Rotunda is always prepared as an alternative location for the inauguration in case of extreme weather.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
The last time this was necessary was in 1985 for Ronald Reagan’s second term.
The Capitol Police have announced that outside ticketed areas will be closed due to the cold, restricting public access. A small platform has been set up inside the Rotunda for the ceremony. Only President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and select guests will be allowed inside to witness the swearing-in.
How cold will it be?
The National Weather Service forecasts a temperature of 22°F (-6°C) at noon on Monday, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since 1985 when Reagan’s swearing-in recorded 7°F (-14°C).
Trump acknowledged the Arctic blast in a Truth Social post, stating, “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.” The cold is expected to rival the conditions during John F Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, which also took place at 22°F.
Critics, including Minnesota governor Tim Walz, mocked the move indoors. He posted a photo of himself standing in a snowstorm with the caption, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
Public attendance and alternate viewing
With the event moving indoors, most public ticket holders will not be admitted. The house sergeant at arms has confirmed that the majority of tickets will now be issued as commemorative keepsakes.
For those unable to attend the indoor ceremony, Trump announced that the Capital One Arena would open its doors for live viewing. Details on seat reservations are still pending.
Changes to the parade
The traditional inaugural parade route, which runs from the Capitol to the White House, will also shift to the Capital One Arena. Trump plans to join the crowd there following the oath.
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region is working to adapt the parade’s format to the indoor venue, ensuring the participation of marching bands and other groups originally slated for the outdoor event.
Other inaugural events
Despite the adjustments to the swearing-in and parade, other inaugural events remain on schedule.
These include Trump’s rally at the Capital One Arena on Sunday and three inaugural balls on Monday evening.
Ticket refunds
Since tickets for the originally planned outdoor inauguration were free, refunds are not an issue.
Organisers are continuing to finalise plans for Monday’s historic event, promising updates as details are confirmed.
Global leaders invited
Global leaders and influential figures are set to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, underscoring its international significance.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed her invitation, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will send a high-level envoy.
Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar will represent India, and Argentinian President Javier Milei will attend in person. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been invited but has not yet confirmed his presence yet.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, despite legal challenges and a ban from running for office until 2030, also received an invitation. Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya has confirmed his plans to attend, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has been invited, following Donald Trump Jr.’s attendance at his inauguration last year.
Additionally, tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are among the high-profile guests expected to be present.
