Washington, Jan 07, (V7N) – President-elect Donald Trump officially secured a second term in office on Monday as the Electoral College votes were read and certified in a joint session of Congress, presided over by his 2024 rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
 
The roughly 30-minute ceremony proceeded smoothly, with no lawmakers objecting to the results. The certification concluded when Texas’ results were read, pushing Trump past the 270-vote threshold needed to retain the presidency. Applause broke out as tellers announced Trump’s victory.
 
In stark contrast to the chaos of January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s win, Monday's session was uneventful. Few protesters were present outside the Capitol, where heavy snow blanketed the National Mall. Enhanced security measures, including metal fencing and a strong police presence, ensured a peaceful event.
 
Harris, who made history as the first defeated presidential candidate to preside over her opponent's certification since Al Gore in 2000, maintained composure throughout the proceedings. Democrats in attendance appeared solemn, acknowledging their loss without contesting the results. In contrast, Republicans celebrated enthusiastically, with some standing to cheer as Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s names were announced.
 
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., expressed her party's excitement: “The American people have rejected socialism and wokeism, choosing President Trump to lead them forward. Today’s certification marks the beginning of that mandate.”
 
For Democrats, the moment carried a reminder of past political turmoil. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reflected on the difference between the peaceful certification and the events of January 6, 2021. "We can never again allow this level of unhinged election denialism to happen," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
 
Vance, who attended the session as an Ohio GOP senator, is set to resign his Senate seat before the January 20 inauguration. The certification underscores the stark political divisions that remain, yet the peaceful proceedings symbolized a return to the orderly transfer of power.
 
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