WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Congress officially certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s victory on Monday in a session marked by historical echoes and stark contrasts.
The quadrennial certification ritual proceeded smoothly under the ceremonial guidance of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who faced defeat in the November election.
The event unfolded without incident, a departure from the chaos that gripped the Capitol four years prior when Trump supporters attempted to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.
This time, Harris, known for her public optimism, maintained a composed demeanor as she formally acknowledged Trump’s 2024 electoral triumph.
“Today was obviously a very important day,” Harris said. “It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power.”
She emphasized the enduring need to protect democratic values, asserting, “American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.”
Trump’s campaign, shadowed by unfounded allegations of fraud, culminated in a decisive victory over Harris.
The final tally showed Trump securing 312 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 226.
Amidst the ceremony, Senator JD Vance, the newly elected Vice President, acknowledged the chamber with a wave, celebrating the moment when his electoral success was confirmed.
Trump, celebrating the certification on his social media platform Truth Social, wrote, “Congress certifies our great election victory today – a big moment in history. MAGA!”
The November elections also granted Republicans control of both the White House and Congress, setting the stage for Trump’s agenda focused on tax reductions and stricter immigration policies.
The GOP’s majority in the Senate and a slim edge in the House will bolster Trump’s legislative efforts.
Unlike past controversies, Democrats refrained from contesting the certification.
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark reiterated a commitment to democratic principles, stating, “Our loyalty must be to the Constitution, first and always. We are here to honor the will of the people and the rule of law.”
Security was visibly tightened around the Capitol, a precaution rooted in the memory of the 2021 insurrection.
Metal barriers encircled the grounds, manned by a significant law enforcement presence, including reinforcements from the New York Police Department and Baltimore’s mobile command units.
Trump has indicated plans to pardon individuals convicted in the January 6 assault, an event that led to numerous injuries among police officers and significant damage to the Capitol.
The quadrennial certification ritual proceeded smoothly under the ceremonial guidance of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who faced defeat in the November election.
The event unfolded without incident, a departure from the chaos that gripped the Capitol four years prior when Trump supporters attempted to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.
This time, Harris, known for her public optimism, maintained a composed demeanor as she formally acknowledged Trump’s 2024 electoral triumph.
“Today was obviously a very important day,” Harris said. “It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power.”
She emphasized the enduring need to protect democratic values, asserting, “American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.”
Trump’s campaign, shadowed by unfounded allegations of fraud, culminated in a decisive victory over Harris.
The final tally showed Trump securing 312 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 226.
Amidst the ceremony, Senator JD Vance, the newly elected Vice President, acknowledged the chamber with a wave, celebrating the moment when his electoral success was confirmed.
Trump, celebrating the certification on his social media platform Truth Social, wrote, “Congress certifies our great election victory today – a big moment in history. MAGA!”
The November elections also granted Republicans control of both the White House and Congress, setting the stage for Trump’s agenda focused on tax reductions and stricter immigration policies.
The GOP’s majority in the Senate and a slim edge in the House will bolster Trump’s legislative efforts.
Unlike past controversies, Democrats refrained from contesting the certification.
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark reiterated a commitment to democratic principles, stating, “Our loyalty must be to the Constitution, first and always. We are here to honor the will of the people and the rule of law.”
Security was visibly tightened around the Capitol, a precaution rooted in the memory of the 2021 insurrection.
Metal barriers encircled the grounds, manned by a significant law enforcement presence, including reinforcements from the New York Police Department and Baltimore’s mobile command units.
Trump has indicated plans to pardon individuals convicted in the January 6 assault, an event that led to numerous injuries among police officers and significant damage to the Capitol.
