President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to move his inaugural ceremonies indoors has left congressional staff and lawmakers out in the cold, with confusion over how to accommodate the thousands of constituents who traveled across the country for the historic event.
Trump announced on Friday that he directed his inauguration, which has taken place outside the Capitol for more than 100 years, would be moved inside to the Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather expected to hit on Monday.
This took many lawmakers and their aides by surprise, with several sources telling the Washington Examiner that prior notice was not given to offices — especially as many planned to continue doling out tickets to constituents Friday and over the weekend.
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Despite Capital One Arena, about a mile away from the Capitol, being open for Trump supporters to view the inauguration remotely, it is unclear what will happen to the thousands of spectators expected to attend on the Capitol grounds and the National Mall and if they will brave the weather.
The arena, home of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, has a maximum capacity of just over 20,000 seats. An estimated 250,000 people were anticipated to attend, and among the ticketed guests included not just general admission but also lawmakers, past presidents, businessmen, and celebrities invited by Trump who had more privileged access to the grounds.
A notice sent out by the House sergeant-at-arms late Friday afternoon informed lawmakers and staffers that the location change meant “the majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.” Although it’s not yet clear how many people can fit in the Capitol Rotunda for the event, officials said it was their understanding that “all Members of Congress will be invited to the indoor ceremony.”
Sources confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Events did a walkthrough of the grounds as early as this morning before the news dropped that the ceremonies would move indoors.
Many staffers told the Washington Examiner that they remain in the dark about what to do with their constituents.
“We don’t know squat,” one aide said.
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“Not at all,” another said when asked if there was any information about the inauguration swirling around. “It’s a mess.”
Some have suggested that offices could attempt planning independent watch parties or events, but several are waiting on guidance from leadership on how to proceed. Spokespeople for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have not yet responded to questions by the Washington Examiner.
