President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, originally set to take place outdoors, will now be moved inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to historically low temperatures. The decision mirrors Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration, which was also held in the Rotunda under similar weather conditions.
“I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

In addition, Trump announced plans to host live viewing of the ceremonies and the Presidential Parade at Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One after my Swearing In,” Trump shared.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will also be sworn in during the ceremony in the Rotunda, while Trump’s team is exploring options to hold some inaugural festivities at the arena.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies confirmed the shift, stating, “The committee will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda.”
This change presents logistical challenges, as the Rotunda can only hold approximately 700 people, leaving thousands of ticket holders without access to the live ceremony. Only ticketed guests for the Presidential Platform and members of Congress will be able to attend in person, while others will rely on televised broadcasts or attend the events at Capital One Arena.
The weather forecast for Monday predicts wind gusts up to 35 mph and dangerously cold wind chills, conditions that Trump cited as a significant concern. “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way,” Trump posted. “It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th.”
Locally, Cobb County Republicans are bracing for cold weather as they gather to support Trump in Washington, D.C. Temperatures back home are expected to range from 16 to 30 degrees during the inauguration.
According to local Trump supporters, the decision to move the event indoors reflects Trump’s commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all attendees while honoring the historical significance of this monumental day.