The United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 presidential election, paving the way for his second term as president.
The joint session of Congress concluded the certification process, validating Trump’s Electoral College victory of 312 votes against Democratic rival Kamala Harris’s 226.
The proceedings were presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris, who oversaw the event with professionalism, despite having been Trump’s opponent in the election.
Her remarks following the session underscored the importance of maintaining the democratic norm of peaceful transitions of power.
“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, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power,” she said.
This session stood in stark contrast to the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was stormed during the certification of Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. This year’s proceedings unfolded peacefully and without disruption, signaling a calmer political environment.
Trump, who becomes the first Republican since 2004 to win the popular vote, celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it “a big moment in history.” His victory also ensures Republican control of both the House and the Senate, strengthening his party’s influence in the coming term.
