Trump's 2024 Presidential Win Officially Certified During Joint Session Of Congress

On Monday, Congress officially confirmed President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election, marking a significant step toward his re-inauguration later this month. The electoral votes were counted by Senate tellers Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), alongside House tellers Reps. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.). The tally showed Trump securing 312 electoral votes, with Kamala Harris receiving 226.

Before the official count, Harris and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance were greeted with bipartisan handshakes as they entered the House chamber. Senators also exchanged greetings across party lines during the joint session, highlighting a contrast to the chaos seen during the certification of the 2020 election results when a mob disrupted proceedings.

Harris, who presided over the session, had previously lost to Trump in the November election, which saw a Republican sweep of the presidency and both chambers of Congress. In a pre-certification video message, she emphasized the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, stating, "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it distinguishes our government system from monarchy or tyranny."

Reactions to the certification were polarized. Republicans celebrated the outcome, with Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) posting on X, "Today, I will vote to certify the election of President Donald J. Trump. It's time to save America!" Conversely, Democrats like Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) reflected on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, commenting on X, "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."

Trump expressed his enthusiasm on Truth Social, "CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!" Despite a severe snowstorm that led to closures across the Washington, D.C., area, lawmakers proceeded with the certification on Capitol Hill.