WASHINGTON — On Monday, Congress officially acknowledged Donald Trump as the victor of the 2024 presidential election, a sharply contrasting event to the turmoil that transpired on January 6, 2021, when his supporters violently invaded the U.S. Capitol. The proceedings this time took place with tight security and amid a winter snowstorm, fulfilling the legal requirement to certify the election results. The starkness of tall black fences around the Capitol served as a haunting reminder of the previous attack, as Trump once urged rallygoers to “fight like hell.”
The certification process was smooth and devoid of any discord this time around. Lawmakers in the House recognized the electoral votes from each state, met with polite applause, and there were no objections raised. Vice President Kamala Harris, who oversaw the session, highlighted the resilience of American democracy by stating, “Today, America’s democracy stood,” even as she reflected on her own loss to Trump.
The outcome raised questions about whether the violence of January 6 was an anomaly or if this year’s ceremony marked a true return to order. Despite Trump’s assertions that the previous election was stolen from him, he is now preparing to assume office again, with his inauguration scheduled in two weeks. He has made comments hinting at extending beyond the usual two-term limit and has promised to pardon many individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol riot, referring to January 6 as a “day of love.”
Trump celebrated the certification online, labeling it a “GREAT” victory and a significant moment in history. Nevertheless, the sturdiness of American democracy was affirmed, with Congress showcasing a unified front in recognizing the voters’ choice. The ceremonial boxes containing electoral votes were delivered as they had been countless times before, contrasting sharply with the chaotic scenes of four years prior when staff scrambled to secure the very certificates that now received respectful attention.
As senators made their way across the Capitol to the House chamber—previously besieged by rioters—House chaplain Margaret Kibben invoked a prayer for guidance in a moment once marked by violence and fear. Harris presided over the event from the same location where then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi was rushed to safety during the earlier insurrection, which saw police shooting a rioter attempting to breach the chamber.
Harris, in her role, ceremonially acknowledged her own defeat—mirroring practices performed by previous vice presidents. The chamber erupted into applause first from Republicans celebrating Trump’s 312 electoral votes, followed by Democrats applauding Harris’ 226 electoral votes. Vice President-elect JD Vance joined fellow senators in congratulatory exchanges illustrating the camaraderie of the day.
The process concluded efficiently within half an hour, adhering to new procedural guidelines established since the chaos of 2021. The updated Electoral Count Act mandates that one-fifth of lawmakers now must object to election results, rather than just one member in each chamber, yet no objections were raised this time.
Some Republicans, who previously questioned the integrity of 2020 elections, expressed renewed trust in the election system following Trump’s triumph over Harris. Representative Andy Biggs, who had led challenges during the 2020 results, stated that the decisive nature of this victory had quelled prior allegations of fraud.
Despite their frustration with Trump’s win, Democrats chose to respect the election outcome, highlighted by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ declaration that their side was free from election deniers. Harris remarked that the peaceful transfer of power is a foundational aspect of democracy that should be assured for the American public.
Reflecting on the tumultuous January 6, 2021, where extremist groups instigated chaos, law enforcement described a harrowing scene during the breach. Some rioters had faced serious legal repercussions, while leaders of far-right groups were convicted of serious crimes.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who was hidden from danger during the insurrection, welcomed the restoration of order in the certification process. Trump faced impeachment for inciting insurrection during that incident but was acquitted later by the Senate. Although he faced serious legal challenges afterward, including charges of attempting to overturn the election, those cases began to dissolve following his recent reelection victory.
In a final notable action before leaving office, President Biden honored Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney, leaders of the congressional inquiry into the January 6 events, with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Meanwhile, Trump condemned those involved in the investigation, calling for their imprisonment.
