Members of Congress scrambled to get tickets to as many constituents as possible for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Some held ticket lotteries because demand overwhelmed supply.

Then came word on Friday that the swearing-in was moving indoors because of the anticipated extreme cold.

Suddenly, House offices had to tell most ticket holders that their difficult-to-obtain passes were now just souvenirs.

“The majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person, although offices are welcome to distribute tickets to constituents in the manner they think best, if they would like to do so,” said an email obtained by The Baltimore Sun on Friday from Sergeant at Arms William P. McFarland to House members and staff.

The email said that the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies recommended that House offices relay to most constituents — all but those holding VIP seats — “that their tickets will be commemorative.”

Of course, some ticket holders had already made the decision not to go because of the forecast.

Trump supporter Ted Bryant, 67, who builds and sells small aircraft in Dorchester County, got two inauguration tickets from Republican Rep. Andy Harris’ office and had planned to attend the swearing-in.

But he said Friday that “nobody wanted to go freeze with me,” so Bryant, a member of the county’s Republican Central Committee, planned to watch on television at a local tavern instead.

“Celebrate our president in hometown comfort,” said a promotion for the event in East New Market.

The forecast isn’t as dire as Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration day — when the temperature was in the single digits — but the freezing temperatures and icy winds are expected to be extreme enough to present a safety issue.

The swearing-in and inaugural speech were initially scheduled for the west front of the U.S. Capitol. It has been shifted indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

“The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!”

Some ticket holders may gain access to Capitol One Arena — the downtown sports and concert venue — where a celebration and viewing is scheduled.

Trump is assuming the presidency for the second time. He lost his 2020 reelection bid to Democrat Joe Biden but defeated Vice President Kamala Harris last November. Only Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president, had previously won non-consecutive four-year terms.

The sergeant at arms’ memo said: “It is our understanding from the (inaugural committee) that all members of Congress will be invited to the indoor ceremony.”

At least three Maryland lawmakers have already opted out.

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey of Prince George’s County joined fellow Maryland Democrat Kweisi Mfume of Baltimore in deciding not to attend. The inauguration falls on Monday’s holiday marking Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

“It’s not a choice for me,” Mfume said. “Every year I commit myself to a day of service” on the holiday.

On Friday, a third Maryland Democrat — Rep. Jamie Raskin of Montgomery — said he would not attend the indoor inauguration ceremony.

Rather, Raskin “will spend MLK weekend in the community,” a spokesperson said.

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