Harris certifies Trump's election win despite calling him a danger to democracy

On January 6, 2025, Congress met at the U.S. Capitol in a joint session to certify the Electoral College votes for the election held on November 5, 2024. This event marked Donald Trump's election as the 47th President of the United States, succeeding President Joe Biden. Unlike the chaotic certification process in 2021, which was marred by a violent mob assault, this year's event was peaceful and orderly. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the election, fulfilled her constitutional duty by overseeing the process and officially declaring Trump the winner. The results showed Trump winning 312 electoral votes against Harris's 226, with Trump also achieving a historic victory in the popular vote, amassing 77.3 million votes compared to Harris's 75 million votes. The ceremony was attended by both Senate and House members, who displayed a collegial atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the divisiveness of the prior election cycle. The increase in security measures reflected the heightened awareness of the importance of this date, as it marks the fourth anniversary of the 2021 Capitol attack. Post-Capitol riot reforms, including the Electoral Count Reform Act, aimed to prevent future disruptions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Only two years prior, several Democratic lawmakers had raised objections during the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. However, this time around, Democrats chose not to oppose Trump's certification, emphasizing their commitment to their constitutional duties. Their choice not to object demonstrated a political shift aimed at restoring a sense of normalcy and stability to the electoral process, therefore increasing bipartisan respect for the rule of law. The day's proceedings highlighted a critical moment in U.S. political history, representing both a significant comeback for Trump and a hopeful illustration of Congress's ability to fulfill its responsibilities without strife amid democracy's challenges.