Congress officially certifies Donald Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris
The US Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s election win, with Kamala Harris reading out the final results herself.
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The US Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s election win, with Kamala Harris reading out the final results.
Monday’s joint session saw lawmakers count and affirm the votes by the electoral college — and in an ironic twist, Ms Harris herself presided over the session as part of her vice presidential duties.
“Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida, has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harris of the State of California has received 226 votes,” Ms Harris declared.
She said the official count “shall be deemed a sufficient declaration” for Mr Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance to take their oaths of office on January 20.
It was the final step before Mr Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President.
Ahead of the certification process, both Ms Harris and Mr Vance Vance received bipartisan handshakes from House members as they entered the chamber.
Senators also shook hands with both Republicans and Democrats as they entered the joint session of Congress.
The orderly process was a stark contrast to the scene in the House chamber four years ago when rioters protesting the results of the 2020 election halted proceedings and forced lawmakers into hiding for several hours.
Ms Harris recorded a video message that was released prior to the certification, telling viewers, “The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny.”
Mr Trump said on Truth Social ahead of the certification, “CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!”
Lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill to certify the election, despite a heavy snowstorm that forced many federal offices and public schools in the Washington, D.C., area to shutter for the day.
— with Fox News
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