Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election has been formally certified by a joint session of the US Congress.
Unlike the turmoil of four years ago, when a violent mob stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results, this year’s certification proceeded in a calm and orderly manner.
The occasion, however, was not without personal discomfort for Vice President Kamala Harris, who, as part of her constitutional duties, presided over the session that confirmed her defeat.
Harris Announces Her Own Loss
This certification was among Harris’s final responsibilities as vice president. In stark contrast to the celebratory energy of her 2020 campaign, she somberly oversaw the roll call, state by state, that declared her opponent’s victory.
Standing at the rostrum in the House of Representatives with the American flag behind her, Harris maintained a composed demeanor as she read the electoral vote count aloud:
“The votes for president of the United States are as follows,” she stated. “Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harris of the state of California has received 226 votes.”
After the tally, she formally announced Trump as the president-elect.
Though Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, president-elect Trump is expected to encounter challenges ahead, particularly with bipartisan support needed for key legislative goals.
Reflecting on the moment, Harris emphasized the significance of the peaceful transfer of power:
“Today was obviously a very important day,” she said. “It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted—that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power.”
The ceremony, lasting just 40 minutes, stood as a reminder of the resilience of democratic traditions even in the face of deep political divisions.