WASHINGTON. The U.S. Congress officially certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory on Monday in a joint session presided over by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. This certification marks a significant moment in U.S. political history, with Harris fulfilling her ceremonial role despite her defeat in the November election.
The quadrennial ritual, which clears the way for Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, proceeded smoothly, in stark contrast to the events of Jan. 6, 2021. On that day, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to block the certification of then-President Trump’s loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.
“Peaceful Transfer of Power”
Harris, known for her warm public demeanor, adopted a stoic posture as she presided over the roll call of states in the Senate chamber. She calmly handed off the certificates of electoral votes for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Harris reflected on the day’s significance:
“Today was obviously a very important day, and 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 said. “I do believe very strongly that American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.”
Harris’s remarks come as Trump continues to falsely claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was due to widespread voter fraud. Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump raised similar concerns but ultimately secured victory on Nov. 5 against Harris.
Trump Hails “Great Election Victory”
The certified Electoral College vote count confirmed Trump’s victory with 312 votes to Harris’s 226. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump celebrated:
“Congress certifies our great election victory today – a big moment in history. MAGA!”
The joint session unfolded despite a winter storm blanketing Washington, D.C., with six inches (15 cm) of snow, causing travel disruptions. Security at the Capitol was noticeably heightened, with metal barricades encircling the grounds and checkpoints manned by police officers. Inside, additional U.S. Capitol Police teams monitored access points, including underground tunnels.
Republicans Dominate Congress and the White House
November’s elections also handed Republicans control of both chambers of Congress, with a majority in the Senate and a narrow edge in the House. This consolidation of power positions Trump to advance his agenda, which includes significant tax cuts and a crackdown on illegal immigration.
House Democrats, led by Minority Whip Katherine Clark, refrained from challenging the certification. In a statement earlier in the day, Clark emphasized the importance of upholding democratic norms:
“We must renew our commitment to safeguarding American democracy. As elected leaders, 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.”
Tensions Over Jan. 6 Legacy
As security remained tight, the shadow of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot loomed large. Trump has expressed plans to pardon some of the more than 1,500 individuals charged for their roles in the attack, where rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence,” referring to Trump’s then-vice president. The assault caused over $2.8 million in damages and led to multiple officer injuries, with some deaths occurring in the aftermath.
The certification session, while ceremonial, underscores the resilience of American democracy, even in the face of deep political divisions and the memories of past upheavals.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
