Trump’s Indoor Ceremony: Essential Details for Travelers Heading to D.C.

Due to forecasts predicting extreme cold weather, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda rather than outdoors, as initially planned. This change means that many people traveling to Washington, D.C., from across the country for the event will not be able to witness the historic ceremony in person. The decision to relocate the swearing-in marks the first time in four decades that an inauguration has been moved indoors because of severe weather. Officials are now making arrangements to accommodate some of the visitors expected in Washington by providing a live broadcast of the event at Capital One Arena, the city’s professional basketball and hockey stadium.

Where Will Trump Be Sworn In?

The Capitol Rotunda, a grand circular hall beneath the Capitol dome, has long been prepared as a backup location for presidential inaugurations in case of harsh weather. The last time it was used for this purpose was in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan took the oath of office for his second term during a bitterly cold January. This year, weather forecasts indicate extremely low temperatures, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since Reagan’s second swearing-in.

Key political figures, including President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other prominent guests and dignitaries, will be able to witness the ceremony inside the Rotunda. However, access will be limited due to space constraints.

How Many Members of the Public Can Attend the Indoor Inauguration?

The exact number of public attendees inside the Capitol Rotunda remains unclear. In his social media announcement, Trump mentioned that “various Dignitaries and Guests” would be allowed into the venue but did not specify the number of attendees or the criteria for invitation.

For those unable to attend in person, Trump stated that Capital One Arena would offer a live viewing of the swearing-in ceremony. The arena, where he is also scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday, will reopen on Monday for this purpose. However, no official details on how to secure seating inside the arena have been released yet.

What About the Inaugural Parade?

The traditional presidential parade is also undergoing major changes due to the weather. Trump announced that the parade would be hosted at Capital One Arena instead of taking place along Pennsylvania Avenue, the typical route from the Capitol to the White House. He added that after taking the oath of office, he plans to join the crowd gathered at the arena for the celebrations.

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, the agency responsible for managing the parade, is working urgently to finalize alternative arrangements and ensure the event can proceed despite the adjustments. Typically, thousands of spectators line the streets for the parade, with marching bands and performers from across the country participating. It is expected that many of these groups will now be part of the indoor festivities instead, though details are still being determined.

Are Other Inaugural Events Still Happening?

Despite the weather-related adjustments, Trump confirmed that other planned inaugural events would proceed as scheduled. This includes his Sunday rally at Capital One Arena and three formal inaugural balls on Monday evening.

How Cold Will It Be on Inauguration Day?

The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures at noon on Monday, when Trump officially becomes president, will be around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (–6 degrees Celsius). This would make it the coldest presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, which saw temperatures drop to a frigid 7 degrees Fahrenheit (–14 degrees Celsius).

Trump addressed the weather concerns on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the severity of the Arctic blast sweeping across the country. He expressed his desire to avoid any risk of harm to attendees due to the dangerous windchill conditions, which factored heavily into the decision to move the ceremony indoors.

For comparison, President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration had temperatures around 28 degrees Fahrenheit (–2 degrees Celsius), while President Biden’s 2021 ceremony was relatively mild at 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius).

Reactions to the Decision

The weather-driven decision to move the event indoors has drawn some criticism from Trump’s political opponents. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate during the Democrats’ unsuccessful 2024 campaign, posted a photo of himself standing in a snowstorm with the caption, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” appearing to mock the choice.

Refunds for Travelers Changing Plans

Since tickets for the originally planned outdoor inauguration were distributed for free, there is no need for refunds related to event access. However, many individuals who booked flights and hotels for the event may be reconsidering their plans due to the altered arrangements.

Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United, were contacted for clarification on refund or rescheduling policies but have not yet responded. Similarly, major hotel chains such as Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Best Western have yet to provide information on whether they will offer refunds or flexible booking adjustments in light of the indoor shift.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Transportation recommended that travelers consult the department’s “Fly Rights” consumer guide, which provides information on airline policies and passenger rights, available at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights.

Stay Updated

Further updates on Trump’s second inauguration, including logistical changes and additional information on how the public can participate, are expected in the coming days as officials continue to finalize event plans.