Trump to be inaugurated inside: Last ceremony held indoors was Reagan’s in 1985
President Donald Trump’s inauguration is set to take place inside the U.S. Capitol due to the cold weather forecast for Monday. This marks the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in January 1985. On that frigid January day 40 years ago, the air temperature was a bone-chilling 7 degrees, with a windchill of -40.
The forecast for Monday’s ceremony predicts a high of 23 degrees and a low of 10, but brutal winds are expected to whip across the city, making the temperature feel more like single-digit temperatures. This decision to move the inauguration indoors is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, including law enforcement, first responders, and supporters.
Historically, President Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated inside the Capitol in 1801, as was custom in the nation’s early history. However, the tradition of swearing in a president outside in front of the National Mall began after the Capitol was badly damaged during the War of 1812, prompting President James Monroe’s inauguration to be moved outside.
President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961 also faced similar cold temperatures, with a high of 26 and a low of 19. Despite a snowstorm dumping eight inches of snow the previous day, the ceremony was still held outside.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged the extreme weather conditions and expressed concern for the safety of those attending the inauguration. He encouraged attendees to dress warmly and announced that D.C.’s Capital One Arena will be open for live viewing of the ceremony and to host the Presidential Parade.
“I will join the crowd at Capital One after my swearing-in,” Trump stated. This decision to move the inauguration indoors demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the comfort and safety of all individuals involved in the historic event.
