For the first time in decades, no Democratic objections were raised.
The US Congress officially declared Donald Trump and J.D. Vance the winners of the 2024 presidential election. This marks the first time since 1988 that no Democrats challenged a Republican victory.
Trump and Vance secured 312 Electoral College votes, winning the popular vote and all seven swing states, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. Harris, in her role as President of the Senate, presided over the joint session of Congress, overseeing the certification of her own defeat.
“This was a pivotal day, reaffirming the crucial, expected peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of our democracy,” Harris commented to reporters at the Capitol.
Many Democrats highlighted the stark contrast with the events of four years prior, when Trump supporters attacked the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Over 1,500 individuals have been jailed for their involvement in what Democrats termed a “violent insurrection.”
“Congress certifies our resounding election victory today—a historic moment,” Trump announced on Truth Social, adding his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again (MAGA).”
The joint session took place during a severe winter storm that blanketed Washington with approximately six inches of snow. The Capitol was heavily secured with barriers and a significant police presence.
Trump continues to dispute the results of the 2020 election, alleging irregularities and misconduct that he claims secured the presidency for Joe Biden. The January 6th Capitol breach occurred as some Republicans were formally objecting to an unofficial vote count. These objections were later withdrawn by the Republicans.
A month after the Capitol riot, Time magazine featured a report on a “shadow campaign” that allegedly “bolstered” the Democrats’ 2020 victory.
Biden, initially intending to seek re-election, withdrew his candidacy in mid-July under pressure from his own party, following a poorly received televised debate and a failed assassination attempt on Trump. He endorsed Harris, who, despite a substantial campaign fund of $1.5 billion and widespread celebrity and media support, ultimately lost the election.