Staff Reports
The recent proceedings in Congress marked a significant moment in U.S. history, as President-elect Donald Trump officially regained the presidency in a stark contrast to the chaotic scenes of January 6, 2021. Unlike the rioting mob that stormed the Capitol three years prior, this year’s certification transpired under the heaviness of both a snowstorm and heightened security, yet remarkably proceeded without a hitch. Clearly, American democracy shines through even the fiercest political storms—of both snow and discourse.
The scene outside the Capitol displayed immense security measures, complemented by tall black fencing as a ghostly reminder of past events, but the atmosphere inside was largely peaceful. Legislators, regardless of party affiliation, gathered in a manner that would make even the most heartwarming Hallmark movie look subdued. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the certification, giving a nod to the traditional transfer of power, while Republican supporters cheered for Trump like fans at a championship game. Yes, folks, they even had something to applaud this time around, a rarity in the drama that often characterizes political disputes these days.
The process was almost disappointingly swift, wrapping up in under thirty minutes. Nobody yelled, nobody rioted, and certainly, nobody challenged the results in a meaningful way. Clearly, the 2024 election had a decisive impact: Trump’s 312-226 Electoral College victory left his opponents with little room to maneuver or grasp at straws. Democrats, despite their affection for throwing around terms like “threat to democracy,” accepted the result; it appears civility can indeed return when it suits the occasion.
Following the pomp and ceremony, Trump referred to the day and his victory as “a BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY.” Considering the tumult of January 6, this was an ironic take—one where the supposed danger cited by many in the mainstream media transformed into a subdued and historical affair. However, that doesn’t mean that voices of caution were absent. Some have argued that an emboldened Trump returning for a second act could be unprecedentedly dangerous—a claim that seems to carry less weight now that he has once again retained power through legitimate means.
Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded without challenge, in stark contrast to Jan. 6, 2021. Vice President Kamala Harris read the tally, including of her own defeat. pic.twitter.com/1M7hPXYYsg
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 6, 2025
One can’t help but notice a significant shift in the political landscape since the last election. Republican lawmakers, who previously played the part of the resistance brigade, have now pivoted to acceptance, leaving behind their previous fears of an “illegitimate” victor. The new rules mandated by Congress, making it even more challenging to challenge Electoral College results, hint at a collective sigh of relief among legislators who are probably more interested in getting back to business than headlining the next lottery of political drama. Perhaps the only uncertainty left lies in determining whether the past chaos was an aberration or merely an indicator of the political weather to come. Whatever the case may be, the capital finds itself begrudgingly back in the rhythm of American democracy, a rhythm unmarred by the unfortunate events of three years prior.
