What You Need to Know About Trump’s Indoor Inauguration Ceremony

On Inauguration Day, the U.S. president is sworn into office, with ceremonies filled with pomp and circumstance, but Donald Trump’s second swearing-in on Monday will take on a unique twist.

Due to an unexpected cold weather forecast, Trump’s inauguration ceremony will take place indoors, inside the Capitol Rotunda, a change from the typical outdoor venue on the Capitol’s West Lawn. This decision came after a last-minute shift due to freezing temperatures that led to concerns over the safety and comfort of attendees.

The event will kick off with the president-elect taking the oath of office, which will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts for the second time, following Trump’s first swearing-in in 2017. Trump will also deliver his inaugural address, which will outline his vision and plans for the next four years.

The guests attending this historic moment will include tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, alongside more traditional figures such as cabinet nominees and government officials. Former President Joe Biden will also attend, despite Trump’s absence at Biden’s 2020 inauguration.

Despite the ceremony being held indoors, the event will still have a large-scale atmosphere. A crowd of invited guests will gather in the Rotunda, but the public will be able to view a live feed at the Capital One Arena, which can accommodate up to 20,000 people. Trump has promised that it will be a “beautiful experience” for all.

The inauguration will also feature performances by country music stars, including Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful” and Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the USA.” The Village People, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus will entertain the crowds during a pre-inauguration rally, and Trump will attend several official inaugural balls.

After the ceremony, Trump is expected to sign multiple executive orders, including rolling back Biden-era policies and potentially launching a mass deportation program. The event marks the start of his second term, with many changes on the horizon for the country.