In an unexpected shift, President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration ceremony will relocate from the iconic West Front of the U.S. Capitol to the Capitol Rotunda, a decision prompted by dangerously low temperatures forecasted for Monday. This change means that thousands of visitors in Washington, D.C., eager to witness the historic event in person, will need to adjust their plans.
This isn’t the first time weather has reshaped an inauguration. The last instance occurred in 1985 when President Ronald Reagan’s second-term ceremony moved indoors due to record-breaking cold. For Trump’s upcoming swearing-in, attendance inside the Capitol will be reserved for an exclusive group of dignitaries, prominent guests, and former presidents, including Joe Biden and George W. Bush.
While the main event shifts indoors, several surrounding inaugural festivities are still expected to proceed as scheduled. Washington will host a series of inaugural balls, and Trump is set to hold a rally Sunday afternoon at Capital One Arena. The same venue will open its doors Monday to provide a live broadcast of the ceremony for attendees unable to witness it in person. However, capacity at the arena is limited, leaving many who had planned to watch from the National Mall without access to the indoor viewing space.
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Trump has also announced plans to join the crowd at Capital One Arena following his swearing-in, a move that underscores his commitment to connecting with supporters despite the logistical challenges.
