Congress officially certified President-elect Trump’s 2024 election victory on Monday, taking him one step closer to assuming the Oval Office at the end of this month.
It was the final step before Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
The orderly process is a stark contrast to the scene in the House chamber four years ago when rioters protesting the results of the 2020 election halted proceedings and forced lawmakers into hiding for several hours.
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Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the certification of Trump’s win, after having lost to him in a November election that saw Republicans sweep the presidency and both houses of Congress.
Harris recorded a video message that was released prior to the certification, telling viewers, “The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny.”
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Democrats and Republicans had starkly different reactions heading into Monday, with lawmakers on the right celebrating a new era in Washington, while those on the left glumly remarked on the violent scenes of Jan. 6, 2021.
“Today, I will vote to certify the election of President Donald J. Trump. It’s time to save America!” Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., wrote on X.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, wrote on the site, “Four years ago today, Trump incited a deadly insurrection after he lost a free and fair election. Today, only snow is on the Capitol steps, not an angry mob bashing their way in to desecrate and injure.”
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Trump said on Truth Social ahead of the certification, “CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!”
Lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill to certify the election, despite a heavy snowstorm that forced many federal offices and public schools in the Washington, D.C., area to shutter for the day.
Congressional GOP leaders had urged lawmakers to stay in the national capital through the weekend to avoid potential travel issues.
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