The vice-president, Kamala Harris, Trump's defeated Democratic opponent in November's election, presided over a joint Senate and House of Representatives session to validate the result. As the certificates confirming Trump's victory were brought into the House chamber, Harris took her place on the dais alongside the Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.
Four tellers - senators Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and representatives Joe Morelle of New York and Bryan Steil of Wisconsin - took turns announcing each state's electoral college results, pronouncing the certificates to be "regular in form and authentic". JD Vance, the vice-president-elect, sat in the front row of the chamber as his and Trump's victory became official.
When Harris announced the final results, Republicans applauded Trump's victory. Harris remained stoic throughout the session but smiled slightly as Democratic members clapped to recognise her 226 electoral votes.
"I do believe very strongly that America's democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it," Harris told reporters after the joint session concluded. "Otherwise, it is very fragile, and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis. And today, America's democracy stood."
This story is from the January 07, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the January 07, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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