Donald Trump inauguration moving indoors: Here’s what to know about changed plans

President-elect Donald Trump moves inauguration indoors due to sub-freezing temperatures, impacting attendees and traditional events.

Sub-freezing temperatures forecast for Monday (January 20, 2025) in Washington are prompting President-elect Donald Trump to take the oath of office from inside the Capitol Rotunda. Almost everyone visiting Washington won't be able to see it in person.

The decision to move Monday's event indoors marks the first time in 40 years that a President will not be sworn in on the Capitol steps. Plans are underway to accommodate some attendees at the city's pro basketball and hockey arena.

Here's what we know about the arrangements so far, with updates to come as organizers scramble to change plans:

The Rotunda is prepared as an alternative for each inauguration in the event of inclement weather. The swearing-in was last moved indoors in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan began his second term. Monday's (January 20, 2025) forecast calls for the lowest Inauguration Day temperatures since that day.

President Joe Biden, members of Congress and other dignitaries and notable guests will be able to view the ceremony from inside the Capitol. Workers were installing a small platform in the Rotunda on Friday.

The U.S. Capitol Police said Friday that outside ticketed areas at the Capitol would be closed “due to the extremely cold weather,” so even if people wanted to gather there as Trump takes the oath inside, they won't be allowed to do so.

The National Weather Service is predicting that the temperature will be around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-6 Celsius) at noon Eastern time, when Trump becomes president. That would be the coldest since Reagan's second inauguration saw temperatures plunge to 7 degrees (minus-14 Celsius).