US Congress certifies Trump, Vance win, sparing new Capitol riot
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The United States Congress has certified US President-elect Donald Trump's election win, allowing for his January 20 inauguration.
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Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Mike Johnson during a joint session of Congress, on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the US Capitol in Washington (AP)
The US Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump's 2024 election victory on Monday, marking a key step in the transition of power. The session, presided over by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, affirmed Trump's 312-226 Electoral College win over Harris in the November election.
The certification process unfolded smoothly, contrasting sharply with the events of four years ago when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn his 2020 defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden. This time, the quadrennial ritual proceeded without incident.
Vice President Harris, fulfilling her ceremonial role as Senate President, oversaw the roll call of the states. After handing over the official certificates of the electoral votes, Harris addressed reporters, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process.
'Peaceful transition'
"Today was obviously a very important day, and it was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted," Harris said. "One of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power. I do believe very strongly that American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it."
Trump, who has consistently and falsely claimed his 2020 loss was due to widespread fraud, had expressed concerns about election integrity throughout his 2024 campaign. His victory over Harris, however, has now been certified, clearing the way for his second inauguration in two weeks.
In the House chamber, Senator JD Vance, who won the vice presidency as Trump’s running mate, acknowledged the assembly with a wave when his electoral votes were announced.
Trump celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, "Congress certifies our great election victory today - a big moment in history. MAGA!"
Trump facing new indictment over Jan 6
US prosecutors secured in August a new indictment in the ongoing 2020 election subversion case against Trump. This move comes shortly after a US Supreme Court ruling that granted former presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution.
The new indictment notably omits previous allegations that Trump attempted to pressure the US Justice Department to overturn his electoral defeat.
This adjustment appears to be a strategic effort by prosecutors to maintain the viability of the case after the Supreme Court's ruling, which effectively shielded Trump from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency.
The case, which has been closely watched, centers on Trump's alleged attempts to undermine the 2020 election results. The original indictment included claims that Trump had exerted undue influence on the Justice Department to challenge the election outcome. However, with the Supreme Court's decision affirming presidential immunity in such matters, prosecutors have been compelled to revise their approach.
Trump claimed that he had received a letter from prosecutors indicating that he is likely to be criminally indicted in connection with the violence at the US Capitol on January 6.
