The US Congress has certified Donald Trump’s victory within the 2024 elections, following a peaceful procedure that contrasts sharply together with his supporters’ violent try and overturn Joe Biden’s victory four years ago.
Lawmakers’ approval of Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris will clear the best way for him to take office as deliberate on Jan. 20, cementing a comeback that may defy his felony conviction and the political injury he suffered after his defeat in 2020.
The shadow of the attack on the Capitol 4 years ago loomed over the occasion, with tight security on the joint assembly of Congress. However in this case, the only disruption got here from heavy snow that paralyzed Washington, closing federal workplaces and faculties.
“It was a peaceful day as a result of we don’t have any election deniers on our aspect — and we’re making an attempt to behave as constitutional patriots,” stated Jamie Raskin, the Democratic congressman who led the impeachment of Trump by means of the Home four years ago.
Harris presided over the ceremony to acknowledge her electoral defeat, as Mike Pence, Trump’s vice chairman, did 4 years in the past, arousing the anger of his boss and the repugnance of many members of the Republican base.
“The peaceable transfer of power is likely one of the most elementary rules of American democracy. Like another principle, it is what distinguishes our system of presidency from monarchy or tyranny,” Harris stated in a short video posted on X Monday morning.
Four years in the past, Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory, falsely claiming widespread fraud and encouraging his supporters to “cease the steal” as they gathered on the National Mall on certification day.
After their assault on the Capitol that day, some Trump supporters have been charged and criminally convicted for his or her actions. But the president-elect has promised to pardon them as victims of political persecution.
After leaving workplace in late January 2021, Trump had an approval score slightly below 39 %, but it is now above 47 %, in accordance with the Fivethirtyeight.com polling average.
“CONGRESS TODAY CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY – A GREAT MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA! » Trump wrote on his Fact Social account before the debates on the Capitol. In the November 5 election, Trump defeated Harris by 312 votes to 226 in the Electoral School and 1.5 proportion points in the fashionable vote.
But Democrats urged People not to overlook what occurred 4 years in the past, calling it one of the darkest days in American political historical past.
“We will by no means repeat the occasions of January 6, 2021. We must all the time work to defend our democracy, shield free and truthful elections, and guarantee a peaceable switch of energy. No matter our political views, we're all People. Violence can by no means be the answer to our political differences,” Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, stated in a press release.
As the rely unfolded Monday, Republicans within the House clapped and cheered when the states Trump gained have been talked about, while Democrats cheered Harris’ victories. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the novel Georgia congresswoman near Trump, stood as she read about his victory in the southern battleground state.
Taylor Greene, who voted towards certifying Biden’s 2020 victory and echoed Trump’s claim that this election was “stolen,” stated Monday it was “completely totally different” as a result of polls have been “utterly totally different” as a result of “Covid lockdowns and the historic use of mail-in ballots.” four years in the past.
“Two utterly totally different elections befell,” she stated. “The American individuals have made it clear what they want. »
Republican John Thune, the brand new Senate majority leader, and Chuck Schumer, the chamber’s Democratic chief, sat in the entrance row on either aspect of the aisle.
Earlier in the day, a half-foot of snow blanketed Washington, easing the morning rush. Metro trains ran underground with empty seats. Rackets squeaked on the polished flooring of the Capitol, whereas police walkie-talkies crackled with minor threats.
“Elected officials across the nation have confronted an elevated menace setting in recent times, so we will’t take any possibilities on the subject of protecting members of Congress,” the Capitol Police chief stated American, Thomas Manger, in a press release.