Four years after the infamous US Capitol riot, Congress has formally certified Donald Trump’s re-election in a special session, marking a significant milestone in his second term as president. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Trump, presided over the event as required by the US Constitution. The certification process was notable for its normalcy, given the chaotic events that unfolded on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters violently stormed the Capitol.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Harris maintained a somber expression as lawmakers read out each state’s election results before formally declaring their authenticity. Trump celebrated the moment on Truth Social, calling it a “big moment in history.” The event was attended by Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial following the 2021 riot.
The certification process was a constitutional requirement, and Harris vowed to perform her duty “guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution, and unwavering faith in the American people.” The event marked a stark contrast to the violence and chaos that erupted four years ago, when rioters smashed windows, beat police officers, and ransacked the Capitol.
Trump’s second term is set to begin on January 20, following his inauguration. His re-election represents a significant comeback from his electoral defeat in 2020 and a criminal conviction in 2024. The president-elect has vowed to pardon individuals convicted of offenses related to the 2021 riot, calling them “wrongfully imprisoned
