On January 6, 2025, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in Congress. The solemn session was the conclusion of the 2024 election and the beginning of preparations for Trump’s second term.
Cheers erupted in the chamber as Harris announced the final tally: Trump secured 312 electoral votes to her 226. She maintained composure, offering a tight smile as Republicans applauded and celebrated the moment. “The chair declares this joint session dissolved,” Harris said, formally ending the brief 30-minute process.
This peaceful certification stood in stark contrast to the chaos of January 6, 2021. On that day, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory. The violence left five dead, including a Trump supporter shot by police and officer Brian Sicknick, who later died from natural causes.
Four officers who responded to the riots took their own lives in the months that followed.
Ahead of the certification, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to celebrate, declaring, “Congress certifies our great election victory today – a big moment in history. MAGA!” The 78-year-old president-elect will be sworn in for his second term on January 20.
Trump has also signaled plans to pardon some of the more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. His stance on the issue remains a focal point as he prepares to take office.
This event was a full-circle moment for Harris, whose campaign began after President Biden opted not to seek reelection. Despite her loss, she upheld the democratic tradition of ensuring a seamless transition of power.
