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The US Congress has certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections, following a peaceful procedure that contrasts sharply with his supporters’ violent attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s victory four years ago.
Legislators’ approval of AssetDonald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris will pave the way for him to take office as planned on January 20, cementing a comeback that defies his criminal conviction and the political damage he suffered after his 2020 defeat.
The shadow of the Capitol attack four years ago loomed over the event, with heavy security in place during the joint session of Congress encounter. But in this case, the only disruption came from heavy snow that paralyzed Washington, closing federal offices and schools.
“It was a peaceful day because we don’t have any election deniers on our side — and we’re trying to act as constitutional patriots,” said Jamie Raskin, the Democratic congressman who led the impeachment of Trump through the House four years ago.
Harris presided over the ceremony to recognize his electoral defeat, as did Mike Pence, Trump’s vice-president, four years ago, arousing the anger of his boss and the repugnance of a large part of the Republican base.
“The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. Like any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny,” Harris said in a short video posted on X Monday morning.
Four years ago, Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory, falsely claiming widespread fraud and encouraging his supporters to “stop the steal” as they gathered on the National Mall on certification day.
After their assault on the Capitol that day, some Trump supporters were charged and criminally convicted for their actions. But the president-elect has promised to pardon them as victims of political persecution.
After leaving office in late January 2021, Trump had an approval rating just below 39 percent, but it is now above 47 percent, according to Fivethirtyeight.com. poll average.
“CONGRESS TODAY CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY – A GREAT MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA! » Trump wrote on his Truth Social account before the debates at the Capitol. In the November 5 election, Trump defeated Harris by 312 votes to 226 in the Electoral College and 1.5 percentage points in the popular vote.
But Democrats urged Americans not to forget what happened four years ago, calling it one of the darkest days in American political history.
“We can never repeat the events of January 6, 2021. We must always work to defend our democracy, protect free and fair elections, and ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Regardless of our political beliefs, we are all Americans. Violence can never be the answer to our political differences,” Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, said in a statement.
As the count unfolded Monday, Republicans in the House clapped and cheered when the states Trump won were mentioned, while Democrats cheered Harris’ victories. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the radical Georgia congresswoman close to Trump, stood as she read about his victory in the southern battleground state.
Taylor Greene, who voted against certifying Biden’s 2020 victory and echoed Trump’s claim that this election was “stolen,” said Monday it was “totally different” because polls were “completely different” due to “Covid-related lockdowns and historical use of mail-in ballots.” four years ago.
“Two completely different elections took place,” she said. “The American people have made it clear what they want. »
Republican John Thune, the new Senate majority leader, and Chuck Schumer, the chamber’s Democratic leader, sat in the front row on either side 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 floors of the Capitol, while police walkie-talkies crackled with minor threats.
“Elected officials across the country have faced an increased threat environment in recent years, so we can’t take any chances when it comes to protecting members of Congress,” the Capitol Police chief said American, Thomas Manger, in a press release.
