The 2025 U.S. Presidential Inauguration, originally planned for the Capitol's west front, will be moved indoors due to extreme cold, marking the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan in 1985. With expected temperatures in the 20s and wind chills in the single digits, the event will take place in the Capitol Rotunda, with public viewing at Capital One Arena.
The 2025 United States Presidential Inauguration will be held indoors for the first time since 1985 due to extreme cold weather conditions. The decision comes as Washington, D.C., braces for one of the coldest inaugurations in decades, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's second inauguration, which was also moved indoors. The ceremony will take place in the Capitol Rotunda, with public viewing available at Capital One Arena.
The 2025 inauguration is set to be one of the coldest in recent history, with temperatures forecasted to remain in the 20s and wind chills making it feel even colder. This is comparable to Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985, where temperatures at noon were a mere 7 degrees, prompting the ceremony to be moved indoors. Historically, the coldest inauguration was Reagan's in 1985, while the warmest January inauguration occurred during his first term in 1981, with temperatures reaching 55 degrees. Other notable cold inaugurations include Barack Obama's first term in 2009 and John F. Kennedy's in 1961, both of which faced frigid conditions and significant snowfall [1].
The extreme cold forecast for the 2025 inauguration has necessitated significant changes to the event's logistics. The ceremony, typically held on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, will now take place indoors in the Capitol Rotunda. This decision mirrors the 1985 inauguration, which faced similar weather conditions. Public viewing will be facilitated at Capital One Arena, although capacity limitations mean that many ticketed guests will not witness the ceremony in person. The cold weather has also affected travel plans for attendees, with many expressing disappointment over the changes. Despite the cold, skies are expected to be clear, providing some relief from precipitation-related disruptions [2].
The decision to move the inauguration indoors has elicited mixed reactions from the public and political figures. Some supporters who traveled to Washington, D.C., expressed disappointment, feeling that the indoor ceremony detracts from the traditional inauguration experience. "We made all of the plans and all of the arrangements to come up and be a part of this event, and … it’s kind of a bummer," said Jose Granado, a visitor from Miami. President Trump emphasized the importance of safety, stating that the decision was made to prevent any harm to attendees, law enforcement, and first responders due to the severe weather conditions. The public viewing at Capital One Arena aims to accommodate as many attendees as possible, although it remains unclear how overflow crowds will be managed [3].
The 2025 Presidential Inauguration will be marked by one of the coldest weather conditions in recent history, prompting a move indoors to ensure the safety of attendees and participants. The decision reflects historical precedents and highlights the challenges of hosting large public events during extreme weather. Despite the changes, efforts are being made to maintain the ceremonial aspects of the inauguration while prioritizing public safety.
"Cold ain't gonna hurt nobody. We have farms, and we don’t get to not feed the cows 'cause it’s cold." - Harry Troyer
"I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way." - Donald Trump