Four years on from deadly violence, power is transferred with dignity and composure

She had warned America that he was a fascist and now, in front of political colleagues and the watching world, she was the one who would have to officially put him back in power.

- David Smith

Few would envy Kamala Harris, the outgoing US vice-president, having to maintain a cool exterior yesterday as she formally announced Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.

"The votes for president of the United States are as follows: Donald J Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes," said Harris. Even then there was to be one more insult as Republicans in the House of Representatives interrupted her with loud applause and cheering.

She stood ramrod-backed, hands folded, wearing a half-smile, half-grimace, eventually reaching for the gavel to restore order. "Kamala D Harris of the state of California has received 226 votes," she then said, prompting counter-cheers from Democrats.

Harris said the results were a "sufficient declaration" of the election of a president and vice-president starting their terms on 20 January. Senator JD Vance, the vice-president-elect, wearing a Trumpian white shirt and red tie, fist-bumped Senator Bill Cassidy; Harris shook hands with the speaker, Mike Johnson, who patted her on the back; and the entire chamber stood and applauded.