The United States Congress has officially confirmed Joe Biden as the President-elect, marking a significant step in the transition of power. This certification followed a tumultuous event where supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building in an unprecedented breach of security.
Certification of Joe Biden’s Victory
In a joint session that was interrupted by the chaos but later resumed, both the Senate and the House of Representatives rejected the objections raised by some Republican lawmakers to the electoral votes from certain states. These objections were based on unfounded claims of voter fraud and irregularities in the November 2020 election. Despite these challenges, Congress upheld the Electoral College results, which showed Biden winning with 306 votes to Trump’s 232. The certification of these results puts an end to weeks of political tension and baseless allegations aimed at delegitimizing the electoral process.
Trump’s Response to Certification
After Congress affirmed Biden’s victory, President Trump acknowledged the outcome by committing to an “orderly transition” on January 20, the Inauguration Day. His concession came through a statement released after the Capitol incident and was seen as a significant shift in tone from his previous rhetoric. Moreover, Trump hinted at his continued involvement in politics and suggested the possibility of running for president again in the 2024 elections. This statement indicates that while Trump may be leaving the White House, his influence on American politics and the Republican Party is likely to persist.
The Assault on the US Capitol Building
The formal certification of Biden’s win was overshadowed by the violent events of January 7, when a mob of Trump supporters breached the US Capitol building. The rioters forced their way into the halls of Congress, disrupting the certification process and causing lawmakers to be evacuated or shelter in place. This assault on the Capitol was a shocking display of lawlessness and has been widely condemned across the political spectrum. It marked the first time since the War of 1812 that the Capitol had been overtaken in such a manner; during that war, the building was set ablaze by British forces. The attack on January 7 will be remembered as a dark day in American history, highlighting the deep divisions and unrest that have characterized the recent political climate.