DONALD Trump has been forced to move his inauguration inside due to freezing weather, making the first indoor ceremony since 1985.
Bone-chilling temperatures are threatening Trump’s big day on January 20 as tens of thousands of Americans flock to the Capitol to see the president-elect sworn in.
The US Capitol in Washington DC during a rehearsal of the 2025 presidential inaugurationEPA
Temperatures will be freezing cold in Washington DC on January 20 (stock image)Getty
Donald Trump will be the first president to be sworn in outdoors since Ronald Reagan in 1985 (stock image)Getty
Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are set to be sworn into office inside the US Capitol Rotunda due to the cold.
“It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”
Washington DC is forecast to be at about 18 degrees when Trump is sworn in at noon on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast high for the Capitol is in the upper teens to low 20s.
Wind chills could make the conditions even icier.
The ceremony will take place on what could be the coldest inauguration day since 1985, when Ronald Reagan was sworn in indoors.
Donald Trump confirms inauguration move
DONALD Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday to confirm that his inauguration will be moved inside.
“January 20th cannot come fast enough! Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. 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 (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).
“Therefore, 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. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!
“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.
“All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening.
“Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Reagan gave a nod to the weather during his indoor ceremony 40 years ago.
“We stand again at the steps of this symbol of our democracy – well, we would have been standing at the steps if it hadn’t gotten so cold,” the late former president said with a laugh.
“Now we’re standing inside this symbol of our democracy.”
PARADE PLANS
While Reagan’s inaugural parade was canceled, Trump’s parade will be held inside Washington’s Capitol One sports arena.
He promised to join his supporters at the arena after the ceremony – and told people to arrive early.
“Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.
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