Inauguration Day Parade Takes Different Route, Moved to Capital One Arena
President-elect Donald Trump is ushered into the Capitol as U.S. service members watch from Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2025. U.S. service members and the audience watched on a jumbotron as Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)
On stage at Capital One Arena there is a small desk, leading people to wonder whether Trump will sign any executive actions at the event.
Article by Charlie Schmatz, Junior Political Producer
WASHINGTON - Following the swearing in of 47th President of the United States Donald Trump, the Inaugural Parade was moved indoors to Capital One Arena due to inclement weather and freezing temperatures. Just yesterday, Trump held a campaign-style rally at the same venue. The President traveled from the Capital One Arena to the White House after the parade via motorcade with no ceremony. The route that President Trump took was open to the public, with viewers only needing to go through screening to access the area for additional security purposes.
“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 on Friday. Over 220,000 tickets had been allocated for those attending the original Capitol Grounds event, but Capital One Arena has a capacity of just 20,000 people. Different from previous Inauguration parades, this year’s was much smaller in attendance.
Before the parade, President Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, and promised a “revolution of common sense” in what would be considered the “Golden Age of America.” Trump said his administration will reclaim sovereignty, restore safety, and rebalance the scales of justice in America.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a supporter of Trump throughout his running for President, had the opportunity to speak during celebrations at Capital One Arena.
“And this was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization,” Musk said to supporters. “You know, there are elections that come and go. Some elections are, you know, important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered. And I just want to say thank you for making it happen. Thank you.”
CNN’s Brianna Keilar, who attended the parade, said referencing attendees, that “They have been roaring for Trump, roaring for JD Vance, and all of those in his circle. And what we’ve noticed is really how they have been reacting to the events of the day and also to Trump’s inaugural address. It's been really interesting.”
The American flag at the White House was raised to full-staff during the middle of the day on Monday, just moments after President Donald Trump signed an executive order stating that on today and future inauguration days, the flag will fly at full-staff. On stage at Capital One Arena there is a small desk, leading people to wonder whether Trump will sign any executive actions at the event.