WASHINGTON — On a calm Monday, Kamala Harris conducted the formal certification of her electoral loss to Donald Trump. Keeping her comments brief and professional, she stood with her hands together as each state’s results were announced.
In less than half an hour, Harris officially declared Trump the winner of the election, briefly smiling as Republican members applauded her acknowledgment. “The chair declares this joint session dissolved,” she stated. “Thank you.”
The atmosphere sharply contrasted with events from four years prior when chaos erupted at the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers confirmed Trump’s defeat to Joe Biden. This time, all parties respected the election results. “It’s a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris remarked to reporters as she exited the building Monday. “It’s a good day.”
Yet for Harris, the proceedings were undoubtedly bittersweet. Instead of marking her ascent to the presidency as the nation’s first female leader, she guided the constitutional process that reinstates Trump. By presiding over this certification, she joined a rare group of vice presidents who have experienced similar situations.
Richard Nixon faced this reality after his defeat by John F. Kennedy in 1960, while Al Gore found himself in the same position in 2001 when the Supreme Court awarded the presidency to George W. Bush. However, Harris is unique in being the vice president overseeing the confirmation of her loss when the incoming president, Trump, failed to acknowledge a prior defeat. Trump has propagated claims of widespread voter fraud and incited his supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6, 2021, leading to violent clashes with police and significant disruptions.
On that fateful day, Harris was at the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters in Washington, where the discovery of a pipe bomb prompted her evacuation. During her campaign, she frequently referenced the events of January 6, cautioning voters about the potential dangers of allowing Trump back in the White House and labeling him a “petty tyrant” and “wannabe dictator.”
Following her electoral loss, Harris vowed to respect the decision of the voters. In her concession speech, she reiterated that a core principle of American democracy is accepting electoral results, distinguishing it from monarchy or tyranny.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, expressed confidence in fostering a “smooth transition of power.” She stated, “When Kamala Harris certifies the election results, President Trump will deliver on his promise to serve ALL Americans and will unify the country through success.”
Leavitt did not address queries regarding Trump’s past attempts to overturn election results during the previous certification process. Despite Trump urging his then-vice president, Mike Pence, to nullify electoral votes from contested states based on unfounded fraud claims, Pence ultimately declined. The Capitol was subsequently breached, forcing lawmakers to seek safety as rioters disrupted the proceedings. Trump later criticized Pence on social media for his refusal to take action.
After authorities cleared the Capitol, legislative sessions resumed to complete the certification, although a number of Republicans continued to dispute the election outcome. Pence later reflected on that day, stating, “I had no right to overturn the election,” adding that Trump’s words put lives at risk.
While Trump was indicted for his attempts to cling to power post-election, federal charges against him were dropped when he won his second election since the Justice Department typically refrains from prosecuting sitting presidents. Further complicating matters, a separate case in Georgia surrounding Trump’s efforts to undermine the 2020 election is currently marred in controversy related to the local district attorney’s relationship with a lead prosecutor.
The most recent instance of a vice president overseeing their electoral certification occurred after the highly contested 2000 election. The dispute between Al Gore and George W. Bush extended into courtroom battles as they contested the fairness of the Florida recount. Ultimately, Bush’s narrow victory was upheld by the Supreme Court without further recount.
During the certification on January 6, 2001, Congress faced objections from some Democrats. Rep. Maxine Waters of California voiced her dissent regarding the Florida electoral votes, while Gore, upon presiding over the session, sought to ensure proper procedures were followed. After several objections were discussed, Congress successfully completed the certification process.
“May God bless our new president and new vice president and may God bless the United States of America,” Gore declared after announcing the results, prompting a standing ovation from lawmakers.
