With sub-freezing temperatures forecast for Monday in Washington, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda. This marks the first time in 40 years that a president will not be sworn in on the Capitol steps. The decision to move the event indoors means that most people visiting Washington won’t be able to witness it in person. Organizers are making arrangements to accommodate some attendees at the city’s pro basketball and hockey arena.
Here’s what we know so far, with more updates expected as the event nears:
Where will Trump be sworn in?
The Capitol Rotunda has been prepared as a backup location for each inauguration in case of inclement weather. The last time the ceremony was moved indoors was in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan began his second term. The forecast for Monday predicts the coldest Inauguration Day temperatures since that time.
When is Inauguration Day?
Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This will coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year.
Is Inauguration Day always on January 20?
Since the passage of the 20th Amendment in 1937, Inauguration Day has officially been held on January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday). Prior to that, Inauguration Day took place on March 4 or 5, depending on whether March 4 fell on a weekend.
George Washington’s inaugural ceremony was originally supposed to take place on the first Wednesday in March, setting the precedent for the March 4 date. However, due to inclement weather that prevented Congress from reaching New York City in time, the ceremony was postponed to April 30, 1789.
Donald Trump will officially take office at noon ET on January 20.
What time does Trump officially become president?
The 20th Amendment provides specific details about the transition of power. It states that the president-elect officially becomes the sitting president at the stroke of noon on January 20, regardless of whether the president has taken the oath of office by that time.
Inauguration Day is carefully planned to ensure the oath is taken as close to noon as possible.
What does the 20th Amendment say about timing?
The full text of the 20th Amendment, Section 1, reads:
“The terms of the President and the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.”
More on the 20th Amendment
The Constitution also outlines the process for certifying a new president based on election results. If a new president has not been chosen or certified, or if the president-elect dies before Inauguration Day, the vice president-elect assumes office.
In rare cases, Congress may determine that neither the president-elect nor the vice president-elect is qualified to take office. In this event, Congress would either choose an acting president or establish a process to select a new one. This individual would serve until a qualified president or vice president is determined.