The United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, solidifying his return to the White House on January 20, 2025. This certification, completed during a joint session of Congress on Monday, marks the final step in validating the Electoral College results from November’s election.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was Trump’s Democratic rival in the race, oversaw the session, which unfolded smoothly without any incidents. This was a stark contrast to the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, when a violent Capitol attack disrupted the certification of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election.
In her remarks following the session, Harris emphasized the critical importance of peaceful transitions of power in maintaining the integrity of democracy. “Today was a very important day. 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,” Harris said.
The certification confirmed Trump’s victory, with the former president securing 312 Electoral College votes compared to Harris’s 226. Additionally, Trump became the first Republican candidate since 2004 to win the popular vote.
The certification followed a contentious campaign season, but unlike previous years, the proceedings took place without significant challenges or disruptions.
Trump celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it “a big moment in history.” His victory not only secures his return to the presidency but also shifts control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to the Republican Party.
While Trump has faced legal challenges related to his post-2020 election actions, including attempts to overturn the results, his 2024 campaign has been viewed as his most successful yet, culminating in both a presidential victory and notable congressional gains.
In her post-certification address, Harris stressed the fragility of democracy and the collective responsibility to protect it. “America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it,” she stated.
As Trump prepares for his second term, the country looks ahead to January 2025, with the promise of a new administration and a renewed political landscape.
