Gallery Place Metro station closed to entering, exiting for inauguration: WMATA

Washington, D.C. officials are preparing for the 60th Presidential Inauguration which will be held on Monday, Jan. 20. 

The swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump has been designated a national special security event and Metropolitan Police Department says District public safety agencies and federal partners have spent nearly a year developing the inaugural security plan. The robust security plan will ensure the inauguration will have extra tight security. 

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Local perspective:

At a press conference on Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser outlined the plan that will include joint efforts by the city and federal partners.

"Every four years, the District is proud to support the peaceful transition of power," said Mayor Bowser. "We take pride in this responsibility, and we’re grateful to our federal partners, local agencies, and community members who work together to ensure a safe and secure event."  

Bowser says high visibility patrols, fencing and barriers will be put into place throughout the week and widespread road closures across downtown D.C. will begin on Sunday, Jan. 19 and last into the early morning hours on Tuesday, Jan. 21. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith also says there will be a significant, visible increase in police presence across the District.

"Our entire police department will be activated for the presidential inauguration," Smith said, adding that an additional 4,000 officers from across the U.S. will be on hand as reinforcement. Smith said 7,800 National Guard members will also be activated across D.C. to assist with inaugural events."

Big picture view:

Matt McCool, the U.S. Secret Service special agent in charge of the Washington field office, said hundreds of thousands are expected to be in the nation’s capital to watch the presidential inauguration. 

District and federal officials say travel may be slow as local road closures and highway closures will impact traffic directly around the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Convention Center, and around Union Station.

READ MORE: Inauguration Day 2025: Map of road closures, routes and timing

WMATA Metro closures for Inauguration Day 2025 - Updated January 18

Timeline:

Metrorail hours will open at 5 a.m. on Monday instead of the previously planned 4 a.m. Service will be a normal weekday schedule instead of planned increased service. 

Archives, Federal Triangle, Mt Vernon Square and Pentagon stations will be fully closed, with trains bypassing these stations. 

Certain entrances will be closed during select hours at Judiciary Square, McPherson Square and Union Station. 

Gallery Place will be open only for transfers; riders will not be able to enter or exit Gallery Place on January 19 and 20. 

Attendees for both the Trump rally Sunday afternoon and for the viewing event at Capital One Arena on inauguration day should use the MetroCenter WMATA station. 

Schedule of key inauguration events 

The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee released the timeline Monday of key events related to Trump’s inauguration, starting Saturday with a large fireworks display. 

Timeline:

Saturday, January 18, 2025  

  • The President’s Reception and Fireworks at Trump Sterling
  • Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner

Sunday, January 19, 2025 

  • Arlington National Cemetery CeremonyWreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Make America Great Again Victory RallyPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
  • Candlelight DinnerPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks

Monday, January 20, 2025 

  • St. John’s Church Service
  • Tea at the White House
  • Swearing-In CeremonyUS Capitol
  • Farewell to the Former President and Vice President
  • US Capitol Departure Ceremony
  • The President’s Signing Room Ceremony
  • JCCIC Congressional Luncheon
  • The President’s Review of the Troops
  • Presidential Parade Pennsylvania Avenue
  • Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House
  • Commander in Chief BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
  • Liberty Inaugural BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
  • Starlight BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 

  • National Prayer Service

What we don't know:

Official timing for all events has not been released. But as far as timing goes, at noon on January 20 Trump will take the oath of office – that’s dictated in the U.S. Constitution. 

The Source: This story includes information from D.C. officials, WMATA and previous FOX 5 DC reporting. 

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit AuthorityInauguration DayWashington, D.C.News