President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that his inauguration ceremony on January 20 will be held indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda due to a forecast of dangerously cold weather in Washington, D.C. The decision was made to prioritize the safety of attendees, including law enforcement, first responders, and the public.
"The weather forecast suggests record-breaking lows due to an Arctic blast sweeping across the country," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "With wind chill, conditions in D.C. could become severe. I don't want anyone to be hurt or injured during the ceremony."
This marks a rare move, with the last indoor inauguration taking place in 1985 during Ronald Reagan's second term, also due to extreme cold. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., on Monday are expected to range from minus 12 to minus 5 degrees Celsius.
In addition to the oath-taking ceremony, prayers and speeches will also be delivered inside the Capitol rotunda. Trump called it "a beautiful experience" for attendees and the millions expected to watch on television.
To accommodate supporters, the nearby Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., will host a live viewing of the ceremony. The 20,000-seat venue will also serve as the location for the Victory Rally on Sunday and three inaugural balls on Monday evening.
"The Capital One Arena will be open to the public for live viewing and the presidential parade. After my swearing-in, I will join the crowd at the arena," Trump added. "All other events remain as planned. Together, we will Make America Great Again!"
The Arctic cold front affecting Washington, D.C., is part of a larger weather system expected to sweep across much of the United States over the weekend, bringing frigid temperatures to the West, Central, and Eastern regions.
Trump urged those planning to attend the inauguration to dress warmly and prepare for the cold, even with the changes to the schedule. "Safety is our priority, and we want everyone to enjoy this historic event," he said.