United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s election win, with Kamala Harris reading out the final results as part of her vice presidential duties.
This was the final step before Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president where lawmakers count and affirm votes by the electoral college.
“Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harris of the State of California has received 226 votes,” Harris said.
In brief remarks to reporters, Harris said she was simply doing her constitutional duty to ensure voters of America will have their votes counted and that they will determine the outcome of the election.
“I do believe very strongly that America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for every single person, their willingness to fight for and respect the importance of our democracy,” she said.
“Otherwise, it is very fragile, and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis. And today, America’s democracy stood.”
According to CSPAN, the Joint Session of Congress to certify Congress was on par with those in the recent past, taking just 30 minutes. The only outlier was in 2021, which lasted 14 hours and 48 minutes due to Trump’s supporters storming the capitol.
This year, Democrats held off on objecting to Trump’s victory. Democratic congressman Jared Msokowotitz said democracy means respecting the results and urged every Member of Congress to vote to certify Trump’s victory.
“January 6, 2021, was one of the darkest days in modern American history because many people allowed partisanship to eclipse their commitment to democracy,” he said.
“I took an oath just three days ago to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I intend to uphold it.”
Trump celebrated the certification on Truth Social.
“CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!” He said.
In the past, Trump said he is considering pardoning people convicted or facing charges over the 6 January attack once he steps into the White House. Many Democrats have spoken out against Trump’s plan.