Trump's swearing-in to be held indoors due to freezing cold, a first in 40 years

President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration will take place inside the US Capitol on January 20 in view of the forecast for freezing temperatures in Washington DC.

In Short

• Arctic blast expected to bring record low temperatures in US next week
• Last president to take oath inside US Capitol was Ronald Reagan in 1985
• Trump said he did not want anyone to get hurt amid freezing temperatures

President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday that his swearing-in ceremony will be held inside the US Capitol instead of outdoors due to the forecast for "dangerous" cold conditions in the capital. Trump will take office on January 20.

In his Truth Social post, Trump said his inauguration address, as well as other speeches, will take place inside the US Capitol's rotunda. He also said he did not want to see people hurt during the oath-taking event amid freezing temperatures.

"The weather forecast for Washington, DC, with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," he said.

Trump's upcoming oath ceremony comes as a brutally cold Arctic is expected to sweep through southern Canada this weekend before entering the US from the North by Saturday morning. It will then rush into much of the West and Central US through Saturday and parts of the South and East on Sunday, CNN reported.

On Monday, the inauguration day, extreme cold has been forecast in Washington DC, with temperatures expected to hit a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius and a high of minus 5 degrees Celsius.

Trump recalled that the last time that the inauguration was held indoors due to the extreme cold was during former President Ronald Reagan's second swearing-in in 1985.

"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!)," he said.

"Therefore, I have ordered the inauguration address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the US Capitol rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather. The various dignitaries and guests will be brought to the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!" he added.

The 78-year-old Republican leader also said that the Capital One Arena would be open for a live viewing of the inaugural address. All other events, including the Victory Rally, and three inaugural balls will be held at the Capital One Arena at 3 pm (local time) on Monday, the US President-elect added.

The Capital One Arena is a sports venue in downtown Washington DC that can hold 20,000 people.

"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," Trump said.

"All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 pm (doors open at 1 pm - Please arrive early!), and all three inaugural balls on Monday evening. Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, Make America Great Again!" he said.

(with inputs from Reuters)