The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States is expected to take a historic turn due to the bitterly cold weather forecasted for Washington D.C. on Monday, January 20, 2025. To ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, the swearing-in ceremony will likely be held indoors at the United States Capitol Rotunda ¹ ² ³.
This decision is not unprecedented, as Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 was also moved indoors due to extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, William H. Taft’s inauguration in 1909 was relocated to the Senate Chamber due to a blizzard that dumped nearly 10 inches of snow on Washington D.C. ²
The forecast for Monday predicts sub-freezing temperatures and icy winds, prompting inaugural planners to prepare the Capitol Rotunda as an alternative venue. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will make the final decision in consultation with Trump ³
Trump’s second inauguration marks a significant milestone in American history, as he becomes the first president to return to office after a non-consecutive term since Grover Cleveland in 1893. The ceremony will also see JD Vance sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States ¹
As the nation prepares for this historic event, the decision to move the ceremony indoors ensures that the focus remains on the significance of the occasion rather than the weather.
Sources:
¹ Thomas W. Pittman: “Tomorrow’s Presidential Inauguration: Trump’s Historic Second Ceremony Relocated Indoors Due to Extreme Cold”
² FOX Weather: “Trump’s Inauguration Day swearing in ceremony moved indoors due to bitter temperatures from polar vortex”
³ AP: “Trump’s swearing-in ceremony likely to be moved indoors due to cold weather”