The United States Congress officially certified Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on January 6, 2025, a striking reversal of events from four years earlier when the Capitol was stormed by his supporters. Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the certification, announcing Trump’s 312 electoral votes compared to 226 for her running mate.
Trump’s reelection follows a controversial campaign marked by legal battles stemming from the 2021 Capitol riot, which occurred as Congress attempted to certify his defeat to Joe Biden. Charges against Trump, initially brought for his alleged role in inciting the riot, were dropped after his victory.
Trump, now 78, has promised to pardon several rioters who faced charges ranging from trespassing to assault. He referred to them as “hostages.”
Unlike the contentious 2021 proceedings, no objections were raised during the certification this time, which lasted less than 30 minutes despite a severe winter storm blanketing Washington, D.C. in snow.
Harris, in her role as Senate president, declared Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s victory as “sufficient declaration” for their January 20 inauguration.
The 2021 Capitol riot left lasting scars on the nation. Four rioters died during the attack, and four officers later died by suicide. Over 1,500 individuals were charged for their roles in the violence, which Attorney General Merrick Garland described as an “unprecedented attack” on American democracy.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also reflected on the event, describing the attack as a day that shook the nation and left emotional and physical scars on lawmakers and citizens.
The certification ushers in a two-week countdown to Trump’s second inauguration. Security measures are heightened, with the event designated as a national security special event and 500 National Guard personnel on standby.
