Congress has officially certified Donald Trump as President-elect, amid heightened national security measures reminiscent of the events from January 6, four years prior. The U.S. Capitol complex is surrounded by tall black fencing, serving as a stark symbol of that tumultuous day.
In a statement made online, Trump expressed enthusiasm about Congress’s certification, referring to it as a “GREAT” election victory and a “BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY”. As he prepares to take office in two weeks under a revitalized sense of authority, Trump’s claims of not losing the 2020 election continue, along with speculations about bypassing the Constitution’s two-term limit. Additionally, he has indicated intentions to pardon those convicted in connection with the Capitol uprising.
Former Vice President Mike Pence commended the restoration of “order and civility” in the certification process and praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her involvement in declaring her rival’s win. He highlighted that the peaceful transition of power remains a fundamental aspect of democracy. Harris, in her ceremonial role, presented results from each state for vocal acknowledgment before announcing Trump’s electoral tally, which was completed in under 30 minutes.
The certification, marked by its ordinary execution, drew attention as members of Congress occasionally distracted themselves with their phones or conversations. After finalizing the electoral votes, Harris declared the session dissolved, receiving applause as she engaged courteously with several members before departing.
Following the counting procedures, records showed Trump receiving 312 electoral votes while Harris garnered 226. Her announcements were met with cheering from the chamber, with Republicans standing in support of Trump’s victory. A poignant moment occurred when Democratic Representatives, including Pramila Jayapal, reflected on the past, reminding the assembly of the stark memories tied to the January 6 events.
Meanwhile, JD Vance, the vice president-elect, calmly sat as votes from his state supported the Trump-Vance ticket with cheers from fellow Republicans. As Harris continued presenting the state-by-state electoral certificate results, the atmosphere remained quieter compared to the uproar of previous years. Initially, Congress gathered under cloudy skies following substantial snowfall, contributing to an unusually low attendance on both sides of the aisle.
Amidst this, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trump’s considerations for pardoning January 6 perpetrators, labeling it a dangerous precedent that could undermine accountability. In a rare instance, some Republicans acknowledged the bravery exhibited by law enforcement during the Capitol attack, with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick honoring their courage while others sided with more favorable dismissals of the events that unfolded.
Generic remembrances of the January 6 attack were less pronounced among Republicans, contrasted with the outcries from Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who emphasized the necessity to never forget the valor shown by officers during the insurrection. As reminders of the violence faded within the Capitol — with repaired damages and no exhibits commemorating the day — the surroundings absorbed a sense of normalcy that starkly contrasts with the chaos previously experienced.
The ceremony, under the strongest security arrangements, unfolded in an atmosphere devoid of the protests or confrontations anticipated four years ago. President Joe Biden’s remarks on the occasion highlighted his determination to ensure that such violence would not repeat itself. He regarded the day as a testament to democracy’s resilience against confrontation.
The gathering proceeded where Congress, shielded from weather disruptions, counted the electoral votes, officially confirming Trump as the victor of the 2024 election. With a lack of objections anticipated this year, the session concluded primarily as a routine counting exercise and signal of acceptance regarding the electoral outcome. Harris, presiding over the event while acknowledging her previous loss, emphasized the significance of a peaceful transition amidst a country grappling with political tension.
As legislators prepared, concerns loomed regarding Trump’s potential pardons for the more than 1,500 individuals associated with the Capitol riot, raising uncertainties about the consequences of his renewed presidency on ongoing legal matters from January 6. On the other hand, the 2024 certification manifested a stark contrast to the last, emphasizing a tranquil legislative process while still shadowed by past events, provoking thoughts on the fragility of democracy and the nation’s enduring political divisions.
