Due to an anticipated Arctic blast bringing extreme cold temperatures to Washington, D.C., President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, will be relocated indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Weather Forecast and Decision
Meteorologists predict temperatures plunging into the low 20s Fahrenheit on Inauguration Day, marking it as potentially the coldest inauguration in four decades.
In response, inaugural planners, in consultation with President-elect Trump, have decided to move the swearing-in ceremony indoors to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees.
Historical Precedent
This adjustment mirrors the 1985 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, which was also moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to severe cold weather conditions.
Revised Inauguration Schedule
- Swearing-In Ceremony: To be held at 12 p.m. EST inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
- Inaugural Parade: Originally planned for Pennsylvania Avenue, the parade will now take place at a nearby sports arena to accommodate participants and spectators safely.
Attendance and Performances
Despite the venue change, the inauguration will feature performances by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, and Christopher Macchio.
Notable attendees include former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as tech CEOs Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. However, former First Lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have declined to attend.
Broadcast Information
The inauguration ceremony will be broadcast live across major networks, including ABC, CNN, Fox News, and NBC, allowing viewers nationwide to witness the event.
This venue adjustment underscores the commitment to safety amid challenging weather conditions, ensuring the historic event proceeds with dignity and accessibility for all participants.