Change of power in Washington: Trump’s victory is confirmed by the US Congress

The confirmation of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election is pending in the US Congress in Washington. What is normally an unspectacular, formal act was thwarted by an unprecedented level of violence four years ago. Back then, Trump was the loser – and angry supporters stormed the Capitol to prevent Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory from being sealed.

Nobody doubts Trump’s triumph in November. He clearly prevailed against his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, who, as Vice President, still has to make his election victory official. Winter weather with snow and ice could also cause complications in the US capital. But even though it looks like it will be an orderly day in Congress, the memories of that time still have an impact.

Rioters – incited by a speech by Trump – broke through security barricades in droves and smashed windows. They had forced their way into meeting rooms and offices. Police officers tried desperately to defend themselves against the overwhelming force of the intruders. MPs had to get to safety from the attackers – and with them the documents containing the election results. As a result of the riots, five people died. Numerous attackers were later convicted.

Increased security precautions

While there are hardly any signs of the violence inside the parliament building itself, the increased security outside will be a reminder of what happened back then. The area is largely cordoned off with concrete elements and fences. There will be more patrols and more officers than usual will be on duty.

Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manager said: “The eyes of the world will be on the US Capitol on January 6th. The environment for elected officials across the country has become increasingly threatening in recent years “We can’t take any chances when it comes to protecting members of Congress.”

Harris faces a bitter task

To certify the election results, both chambers of parliament meet: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. German time. The results from the individual US states are first read out and counted. Theoretically, it is possible that members of Congress will object. But that is not foreseeable this year. At the end the result is announced and is therefore official.

For the Democrat Harris, the procedure after the defeat against Trump is likely to have a bitter aftertaste. In her role as Vice President – and therefore also Senate President – she chairs the meeting and announces the final result. She has rarely been seen in public since the election defeat. Trump secured 312 electoral votes in the election, while Harris received 226.

For the Democrats, the aftermath of the election is an opportunity to once again present themselves as a counter-proposal to the Republicans: to prove that they are good losers, that they trust and recognize the democratic process. Incumbent Biden reiterated on Sunday that he had tried to ensure a smooth transition of power – unlike Trump four years ago. “I think what he did was a real threat to democracy and I hope we overcome that,” Biden said. In front of newly elected Democratic members of Congress in the White House, he called January 6th one of the most difficult days in American history.

Trump could pardon attackers

Trump will be sworn in as president on January 20th. He could then try to undo the consequences of January 6, 2021. During the election campaign, he promised to pardon supporters who took part in the violent storm and were convicted as a result. “The moment we win, we will quickly review the cases of all political prisoners who were unjustly victimized by the Harris regime. And I will sign their pardons on day one,” Trump said.

Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday, referring to the events four years ago: “It was a tragedy and we cannot deny what it was.” It is sad that Trump still does not accept his defeat in 2020. “He has now won the election (…), he should be triumphant about that.”