The United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, paving the way for his return to the White House on January 20, 2025.
During a joint session of Congress on Monday, the certification marked the final step in validating the Electoral College results from the November election. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival, presided over the proceedings, according to a report by Al-Jazeera.
The session unfolded smoothly, in stark contrast to the events of January 6, 2021, when a violent attack on the Capitol disrupted the certification of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election.
In her remarks after the session, Harris highlighted the importance of a peaceful transition of power, calling it a cornerstone of American democracy.
“Today was a very important day,” Harris said. “It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is a peaceful transfer of power.”
Electoral College Results and Popular Vote
Trump secured 312 Electoral College votes, surpassing Harris’s 226, and also became the first Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since 2004.
The certification follows a contentious campaign season but proceeded without significant challenges, signaling bipartisan acceptance of the outcome.
Trump’s Reaction and Republican Control
Trump celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it “a big moment in history.” His victory also delivers Republican control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, solidifying the party’s political influence.
Many Republicans have aligned with Trump’s contested claims about the 2020 election, which were central to his post-presidency legal battles and investigations. Despite ongoing controversies, Trump’s 2024 campaign has been described as one of his most successful, securing both the presidency and significant congressional victories.
Legal Challenges and Democratic Response
While Trump faced legal scrutiny over alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, many of these cases have been resolved. A federal case in Washington, DC, was recently dismissed, but a state case in Georgia remains pending.
Harris, speaking after the certification, underscored the fragility of democracy and urged collective effort to safeguard it.
“America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it,” she stated.
As Trump prepares to return to the presidency, his victory sets the stage for a new chapter in U.S. politics, with the Republican Party poised to shape the nation’s legislative and executive agenda.
