In a historic joint session of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris fulfills her constitutional duty by certifying the 2024 Electoral College results, officially declaring Donald Trump as the winner of the presidential election. The ceremony takes place under heightened security at the U.S. Capitol on the fourth anniversary of the January 6th riot, a poignant reminder of the fragility and resilience of American democracy.
Harris, presiding in her role as president of the Senate, opens sealed envelopes containing the electoral vote certificates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As each state’s results are read aloud and tallied, Harris describes the process as a “sacred obligation,” emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution and respecting the will of the electorate.
The certification process, governed by the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, underscores the vice president’s strictly ministerial role. The act, enacted in response to the controversies surrounding the 2020 election, clarifies that the vice president has no authority to reject or alter electoral votes, a point Harris reiterates during the session.
Trump’s victory is confirmed after securing the majority of the 538 electoral votes, cementing his return to the White House. The session also finalizes the election of Vice President-elect Kristi Noem, who campaigned alongside Trump. The certification ceremony marks the end of the 2024 election cycle and sets the stage for Trump’s second term as president.
The proceedings occur under a backdrop of heavy security, with U.S. Capitol Police implementing robust measures to ensure safety. The increased precautions are a direct response to the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was breached by rioters attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The anniversary of that attack looms large over today’s events, with Vice President Harris reflecting on the progress made since then.
In a video message earlier in the day, Harris commemorates the fourth anniversary of the Capitol riot, acknowledging the lives lost and the profound impact on the nation’s political landscape. She calls the certification ceremony a testament to the resilience of the American electoral system and a reaffirmation of democratic principles.
The ceremony concludes without incident, with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle acknowledging the peaceful transition of power, despite a deeply polarized political climate. Harris’s role in certifying Trump’s victory symbolizes a commitment to the rule of law and the enduring strength of democratic institutions.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the focus shifts to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for his administration. Meanwhile, today’s events serve as a reminder of the critical role played by public servants in safeguarding the nation’s democratic processes.
