Title: A Peaceful Transition of Power: The Certification of Donald Trump's 2024 Election Victory

In the political landscape of the United States, the certification of elections by the U.S. Congress is a significant event that signifies the peaceful transition of power from one administration to another. This year, on January 6th, 2024, the Congress certified Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential elections, marking a historic comeback for the former president following his legal conviction and political setbacks after his defeat in 2020.

The Road to Certification: A Peaceful Procedure


The certification process began with a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris, who, four years ago, had served as the presiding officer when then-Vice President Mike Pence oversaw the certification of Joe Biden's victory. The peaceful procedure contrasted sharply with the violent attempts by Trump supporters to overturn Biden's victory in 2020. This time around, the only disruption came from heavy snow that paralyzed Washington, D.C., closing federal workplaces and schools.

Reflections on the Past: The Attack on the Capitol


Four years ago, Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory, falsely claiming widespread fraud. Inspired by these unfounded claims, his supporters gathered at the National Mall on certification day, with some eventually storming the U.S. Capitol building, leading to a violent clash with police.

 

Rioters conflict with police as they attempted to enter the Capitol constructing on January 6, 2021 © Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Pictures

 

Trump supporters enter the US Capitol constructing © Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Photographs

 

Individuals battle with regulation enforcement officers outdoors a gate they opened at the U.S. Capitol. © Léa Millis/Reuters

Following the attack on the Capitol, some Trump supporters were charged and criminally convicted for their actions. However, the president-elect has promised to pardon them as victims of political persecution. After leaving office in late January 2021, Trump's approval rating was slightly below 39%, but it has since risen above 47%, according to the Fivethirtyeight.com polling average.

The Certification Process: A Constitutional Duty

In the November 5 election, Trump defeated Harris by 312 votes to 226 in the Electoral College and by 1.5 percentage points in the popular vote. The certification process involves counting the electoral votes from each state, which were submitted by the states' elected officials on December 14, 2023.


Elected officials submit electoral votes © Alex Wong/Getty Images

During the certification process, the Senate and House of Representatives meet jointly to count these votes. Each state's total is announced, with the tallying beginning alphabetically by state. In this year's ceremony, elected officials from both parties applauded as each state's results were announced, reflecting the bipartisan nature of the process.

Political Reactions: A Divided Nation


While the certification process was peaceful, the lead-up to the event was marked by political tension and division. Some Republicans, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, a controversial Georgia congresswoman close to Trump, refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the election, echoing Trump's claim that this election was "stolen."


Marjorie Taylor Greene at the Capitol © Alex Wong/Getty Images


On the other hand, Democrats urged Americans not to forget the events of January 6, 2021, which they described as one of the darkest days in American political history. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of defending democracy, ensuring free and fair elections, and promoting a peaceful transfer of power:

"We will never repeat the events of January 6, 2021. We should always work to defend our democracy, protect free and fair elections, and ensure a peaceful transfer of power. No matter our political views, we are all Americans. Violence can never be the answer to our political differences."

Security Measures: Protecting the Capitol and Congress


Given the heightened tension surrounding the certification process, security measures were put in place to ensure the safety of elected officials and the public. The Capitol Police increased their presence and implemented strict screening procedures for anyone entering the building.


Capitol Police secure the Capitol © Win McNamee/Getty Images

Despite these measures, the threat of violence remained a concern. American Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger issued a statement emphasizing the need to protect members of Congress:

"Elected officials across the country have faced an increased threat setting in recent times, so we cannot take any chances when it comes to protecting members of Congress."

In conclusion, the certification of Donald Trump's 2024 election victory by the U.S. Congress marked a significant event in American politics, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another. Despite political divisions and tensions leading up to the ceremony, the process was carried out peacefully, underscoring the resilience and commitment of American democracy.