Americans will see a peaceful power transfer for the first time in four years as Democratic candidate Kamala Harris ceded the election and admitted her defeat. On Monday, December 6, 2025, both branches of Congress met to certify Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.
Before the certification vote, Vice President Harris, who oversaw the process, met with Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jefferies. In a public statement, Harris confirmed that she would certify the election and continue to “take seriously the oath that I have taken many times to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
“I believe very strongly that America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it,” she continued on Monday. “Otherwise, it is very fragile, and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis. And today, America’s democracy stood.”
Donald Trump refused to concede to the 2020 election four years ago and called on his Vice President, Mike Pence, to reject the certification. When Pence followed through with the democratic process, Trump encouraged his followers at a rally in DC to march to the Capitol.
Following his remarks, many of his supporters led a violent raid on the building. Congress Members were evacuated into safe rooms as the mob breached the Capitol. Some carried nooses and chanted “hang Mike Pence,” while others stole furniture and defecated in congressional offices. Following the riot, 174 police officers were injured, and one died. Three rioters also died, one by fatal gunshot from police as she attempted to climb the Capitol.
Now, participants in the insurrection are calling on President Trump to pardon them, a promise he made while in the campaign. Former Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio, who is serving 22 years in prison for his involvement in the attack on the Capitol, has asked Trump for a pardon in a written letter to the incoming President.
While speculation loomed that Democrats would protest the election results, the ceremony was held peacefully, with Democrats in the House and Senate conceding their party’s defeat.
