WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 6, 2025, Congress certified Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States in a landmark moment for American politics. The certification came precisely four years after the January 6th Capitol riot, marking a significant and peaceful transition of power following a tumultuous election cycle.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump defeated in the 2024 election, presided over the joint session of Congress to certify the electoral votes, making history as the first woman to certify her defeat in a presidential election. The event was characterized by a return to traditional electoral proceedings, contrasting sharply with the chaos of 2021.
Trump's victory was decisive, securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. His campaign focused on economic revival and stringent immigration policies, resonating with many voters. Harris, who took over the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden's withdrawal, campaigned on themes of democracy preservation and social justice but fell short in key battleground states.
The certification process was notably calm, with heavy security measures in place to prevent any repeat of the violence seen in the previous certification. This year's event symbolized a change in leadership and a reaffirmation of the democratic process in America.
Reactions on social media and in public spaces were mixed. Trump supporters celebrated the return of their preferred candidate, while others lamented what they saw as a step backward for democratic norms.
This certification sets the stage for Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, and the beginning of his second, non-consecutive term in the White House.
