The U.S. Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election, paving the way for his inauguration on January 20.
The certification took place on Monday in a joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate, where the election results from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were approved in a brief, ceremonial proceeding. The session was presided over by Harris in her capacity as vice president and president of the Senate.
This quadrennial event stood in stark contrast to the events of four years ago, when a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to block the certification of Trump’s 2020 defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden.
Despite continuing to falsely claim that his 2020 loss was due to widespread voter fraud, Trump accepted the results of the 2024 election, which saw him defeat Harris on November 5.
“Congress certifies our great election victory today — a big moment in history. MAGA!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Monday.
The final tally confirmed Trump secured 312 Electoral College votes compared to Harris’s 226. The joint session proceeded uninterrupted despite a winter storm blanketing Washington, D.C., with six inches (15 cm) of snow, causing travel disruptions.
Republicans Control White House and Congress
Republicans also gained a majority in the Senate and retained a narrow advantage in the House of Representatives during the November elections, providing Trump with the legislative support needed to advance his agenda, including tax cuts and stricter measures against undocumented immigration.
Unlike the contested certification process in 2021, Democrats did not object to the results.
“We must renew our commitment to safeguarding American democracy,” said House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark in a statement. “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.”
Heightened Security Measures
Security around the Capitol was significantly increased for the certification and is expected to remain tight until Trump’s inauguration. Metal fences encircled the Capitol grounds, which were accessible only through checkpoints manned by uniformed police.
Convoys of black police vehicles, including a 10-wheel Baltimore Police mobile command center, were stationed nearby. Additional reinforcements from the New York Police Department were also deployed to patrol the area.
