It's Official: Donald Trump, JD Vance Election Results Certified
The certification of the 2024 presidential election results took place in a solemn and highly secure session today, marking a pivotal moment in American democracy. Layers of tall black fencing flanked the U.S. Capitol complex, with armed security escorting three boxes containing the official Electoral College tally across the Capitol. The scene underscored the significance of the event and the heightened security measures surrounding it.
Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over the session as President of the Senate, called the room to order at precisely 1:07 p.m. EST, striking her gavel to signal the start of the certification process. The chamber, absent of any tourists, was filled with senators, representatives, and designated tellers tasked with announcing the results of each state’s electoral votes.
As each state’s certificates were read aloud, the tellers followed a familiar formula: “Madame President, the certificate of the electoral vote from [State] seems to be regular in form and authentic.” They then announced the electoral vote totals for the state’s winner. Harris, standing with her hands clasped in front of her, handed the certificates to the tellers, facilitating the procedural flow with a calm and steady demeanor.
Senator J.D. Vance, seated prominently in the front row, listened intently as the counts were finalized. The chamber occasionally broke into applause as tellers announced key results.
Toward the conclusion of the session, an unexpected moment occurred when Vice President Harris appeared to skip over the formal dissolution of the session, a customary part of the certification process. As she paused, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson observed the chamber's reaction with a noticeable smirk. Moments later, the session was officially dissolved, marking the end of the certification process.
Today’s certification reaffirmed the enduring strength of democratic institutions. Despite heightened tensions and a tightly controlled environment, the process proceeded as the Founders intended, ensuring a peaceful transition of power.