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| Snow accumulation on Capitol Hill in the United States. January 17, 2025 | Photo: Reuters |
The inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump will take place in a section of the Congressional Building on Capitol Hill, on Monday (January 20). Trump himself said on Friday that this is being done due to the cold weather.
Historically, the inauguration of the US president is held outdoors. But this time, with severe cold weather forecast in Washington, it will be unsafe to hold it outside. Therefore, this time it will be held inside the Congress building.
Trump wrote on his own social media outlet, Truth Social, "There is an 'Arctic Blast' going on across the country. That's why I have ordered the inaugural address, prayers, and other speeches to be held in the United States Capitol Rotunda."
Due to the Arctic blast, temperatures in the United States have dropped by 20 to 40 degrees below normal, with increased snowfall. The wind has also changed. The Arctic blast has started in various parts of the United States, including Washington, since yesterday evening local time.
Normally, when the inauguration of a US president is held in the open air on Capitol Hill, a large crowd gathers on the Capitol Mall to welcome the new president. But this time, that will not be the case because it will be held indoors.
Ronald Reagan was the last US president to be sworn in inside the Capitol building in 1985. The swearing-in ceremony was moved to the Capitol Rotunda due to the bitter cold.
The forecast says temperatures in Washington will be well below freezing on Monday, with wind chills expected to increase.