WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that he would move his inauguration to the U.S. Capitol instead of holding it on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, citing weather forecasts for freezing temperatures.
The inauguration was scheduled to begin around 11:30 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, but it was not immediately clear whether that would change to allow for an indoor ceremony.
“Washington, DC weather forecast with wind chill factor could drop temperatures to severe record lows,” Trump wrote a social media post. “An arctic explosion is sweeping across the land. I don’t want people to be hurt or harmed in any way. These are hazardous conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, police K9s and even horses, as well as hundreds of thousands of supporters who will be outside for many hours on the 20th (If you definitely decide to come, dress warmly! ).”
Trump wrote that the ceremony, which will include speeches and his official oath of office, will take place in Round chapter.
“The various dignitaries and guests will be brought to the Capitol,” Trump wrote. “It will be a very nice experience for everyone and especially for the large television audience!”
A spokesperson for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies released a statement saying the body “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.” “
Former Republican President Ronald Reagan was the first and only president to hold his inauguration in the Rotunda.
The Architect of the Capitol comments a website about previous initiations that for Reagan’s inauguration, the Bible was “placed on a marble-topped table built for the second inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.” The table was made from an iron baluster cast for the Capitol dome in the 1860s .”
Trump wrote in his social media post that fans traveling to Washington, D.C. could attend a live broadcast at Capital One Arena downtown. It will also be the site of a Trump rally on Sunday.
“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday to view this historic event LIVE and host the presidential parade,” Trump wrote. “After I am sworn in, I will join the crowd at Capital One.”
Capital One Arena has 20,000 seats, according to its website. That’s far fewer people than could fit on the hundreds of acres of the National Mall.
Last updated on January 17, 2025, 12:46 p.m
