Lawmakers made history once again as they certified Donald Trump’s electoral victory – a momentous occasion that firmly reestablished him as the second president in American history to serve non-consecutive terms. It was a rather mundane ceremony that clocked in at just over half an hour, but for Republicans, it marked a significant leap toward realizing Trump’s agenda. Democrats, however, couldn’t help but sulk over their bittersweet loss as they peered through the lens of their January 6, 2021 nightmares.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune couldn’t contain his excitement, praising the unity within the Republican coalition while reminding everyone that the real work was just getting started. According to Thune, Republicans are fired up and ready to charge forward with their plans, aiming at everything from border security to tax reform. Meanwhile, Democrats sat in the House chamber, wearing the faces of party loyalty turned sour, surely rolling their eyes at the applause that erupted each time Trump’s electoral votes were announced.
Even Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was able to relish the moment from the front row, though still tethered to his Senate duties until Inauguration Day. Unlike the chaos that previously rocked the Capitol, this event was more akin to a frigid winter’s day; Washington was blanketed in snow, which provided a perfect excuse for a sleepy atmosphere and a nearly absent crowd. With a heavy security presence, lawmakers mingled without fear, reminiscent of a dull family reunion as they envisioned their future political endeavors.
Congress certifies Trump’s win with no objections from Democratshttps://t.co/aVRGLOVx0s pic.twitter.com/lDA4N8UNQc
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 6, 2025
The lack of pushback from Democrats in this certification was quite a departure from past confrontations, making it clear they were painfully aware of their previous missteps. Chastened by their own criticisms of Republican dissent during the last presidential certification, they managed to keep quiet as the transition of power from Biden to Trump unfolded relatively drama-free. They could perhaps mark this subdued day as a new chapter, free of the rioting and ruckus that had all but defined their previous major political milestone.
Despite the somber historical reminders, Democrats also made it a point to reiterate their concerns about the January 6 uprising, hoping against hope that such an event wouldn’t slip into the annals of forgotten history. President Biden, reflecting on that infamous day, urged Congress and the country not to forget the past. It was an almost choreographed reminder that many have attempted to politicize to their benefit, but regardless of their concerns, the victory was clear. Trump rose like a phoenix, unfazed by the past, while Republicans turned their sights to new challenges, steadfast in their agenda.