Trump Inauguration 2025: What to know after event moved inside

WASHINGTON – Officials provided updates to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 after Trump confirmed Friday that his second inauguration would be moved indoors. 

Why is Trump’s inauguration inside? 

Big picture view:

Trump’s inauguration has been moved indoors due to snow expected Sunday and freezing temperatures Monday. The extreme temperatures, frigid winds, and icy conditions expected from a blast of arctic air and anticipated snow over the weekend prompted the move. The Rotunda is prepared as the inclement weather alternative for each inauguration, the Associated Press reported.

Temperatures are expected to be well below average when Trump takes the oath of office at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 20. The frigid arctic air is due to a polar vortex expected to send temperatures plummeting for millions across the U.S.

“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump posted to the Truth Social platform Friday. “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,” his post continued.

Is the inauguration canceled? 

What we know:

The inauguration has been moved to Capital One Arena. 

“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,” said Trump Friday. “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.”

Officials confirmed Saturday afternoon that following Trump’s appearance at Capital One Arena, he would travel from the arena to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue. The route is open to the public, who will have to go through screening to access the area. However, officials stressed that Trump would be traveling in a typical motorcade, with no ceremony. 

How to watch the inauguration from Capital One Arena 

What we know:

Access to Capital One Arena and the surrounding area is limited to attendees with a ticket, according to officials. Over 220,000 tickets had been planned for attendees entering the Capitol Grounds initially. Capital One Arena has a capacity of only 20,000 people. 

What we don’t know:

Officials Saturday afternoon could not say how tickets to the event would be redistributed, and if there was a second location for the remaining ticket holders to watch the inauguration from. More information is expected. 

At this time, no information has been released about the timing for doors to open at Capital One Arena or Trump’s arrival.

Where to watch the inauguration without a ticket? 

What we know:

The area along Pennsylvania Avenue where Trump will travel in a motorcade from Capital One Arena to the White House will be open to the public, however officials stressed that it would be a typical motorcade with no ceremony. 

Mike Litterst from the National Park Service confirmed the National Mall would be open to the public on January 20 with security screening. However, the large screens for the public to view the inauguration are in the process of being removed. 

What we don’t know:

Officials could not provide information whether there will areas for the public to watch the inauguration from on Monday. 

The other side:

FOX 5 DC will be airing the inauguration live on Monday, if you’d rather watch on your own screen from the comfort of your own home. Want to stream the inauguration? Download FOX Local on your smart TV.  You can also take FOX 5 DC on the go with the FOX Local mobile app or on fox5dc.com. FOX 5 will be in wall-to-wall coverage all day, wherever you’re watching. 

Road closures, Metro closures on January 20

What we know:

Officials released an updated map of downtown D.C. Saturday with restricted areas. 

Metrorail hours will open at 5 a.m. on Monday instead of the previously planned 4 a.m. Service will be a normal weekday schedule instead of planned increased service. 

Archives, Federal Triangle, Mt Vernon Square and Pentagon stations will be fully closed, with trains bypassing these stations. 

Certain entrances will be closed during select hours at Judiciary Square, McPherson Square and Union Station. 

Gallery Place will be open only for transfers; riders will not be able to enter or exit Gallery Place on January 19 and 20. 

Attendees for both the Trump rally Sunday afternoon and for the viewing event at Capital One Arena on inauguration day should use the MetroCenter WMATA station.