President Trump’s inauguration moved indoors due to cold weather forecast

President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, a rare move prompted by an Arctic blast expected to bring record-low temperatures to the nation’s capital. The decision disrupts months of planning for the traditional outdoor event, which was set to draw hundreds of thousands to the National Mall.

Citing safety concerns, Trump announced the change on his Truth Social platform. “The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” he wrote. “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.”

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures around 22°F (−6°C) at noon Monday, with the windchill plunging conditions even further. This will mark the coldest Inauguration Day since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, which also took place indoors due to frigid weather.

The Capitol Rotunda, always prepared as a backup venue for such occasions, will now host the swearing-in ceremony. However, the move indoors limits attendance to key dignitaries, outgoing President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and select invited guests. Many of the more than 250,000 ticketed attendees and tens of thousands of others planning to gather along the parade route will need to rely on alternate viewing options.

To accommodate some supporters, Trump announced plans to open Washington’s Capital One Arena for a live broadcast of the ceremony. The arena, with a capacity of 20,000, will also host a modified inaugural parade later in the day, which Trump plans to attend.

Despite the weather-related adjustments, other inaugural events remain on schedule. Trump will hold a rally at Capital One Arena on Sunday, and three official inaugural balls are set to take place Monday night.

The U.S. Secret Service, which oversees inauguration security, is adapting its plans to ensure safety amid the changes.

The last-minute shift recalls the historical precedent of 1985, but the challenges of accommodating modern-day crowds and heightened security measures add a layer of complexity. Trump’s team expressed confidence in the revised plans, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a memorable and safe experience for all participants.

With a forecast of record-setting cold, Monday’s swearing-in will go down in history as one of the chilliest inaugurations on record—both literally and logistically.