Donald Trump is set to cement his extraordinary political comeback on Monday as Congress certifies his re-election victory.
This moment marks a stark contrast to the chaos that unfolded four years ago when his supporters stormed the Capitol in a violent bid to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden.
The president-elect, now 78, faced multiple legal battles during his campaign, including charges related to the 2021 Capitol riot.
Despite allegations of leading a criminal conspiracy, his November election victory led to all charges being dropped.
Trump is now poised to begin his second term, with Monday’s certification ceremony expected to proceed without incident, despite a major winter storm blanketing Washington in snow.
“CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.
Trump’s return to power effectively halts efforts to hold him accountable for the events of January 6, 2021.
The riot, which saw thousands storm the Capitol, resulted in multiple deaths, injuries, and widespread condemnation.
Trump has since promised to pardon some of the rioters, describing them as “hostages” of a politically motivated justice system.
Outgoing President Joe Biden criticized these developments in a Washington Post op-ed, urging Americans to remember the lessons of the Capitol riot.
“We cannot accept a repeat of what occurred four years ago,” Biden wrote. “Our democracy withstood an assault, but we must remain vigilant.”
Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the certification of the election results, echoing the role her predecessor Mike Pence played in 2021.
Unlike the events of four years ago, when over half of House Republicans objected to Biden’s win, objections to Trump’s victory are not anticipated.
The certification ceremony comes amidst ongoing investigations into the events of January 6.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to reexamine the findings of the House committee that linked Trump to the Capitol riot.
“The January 6th insurrection left scars on our democracy and our community,” former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement marking the day’s anniversary.
Despite the controversies surrounding Trump’s leadership, his victory signals a new chapter in American politics.
The two-week countdown to his January 20 inauguration begins Monday, with heightened security measures in place to prevent any unrest.
As the nation reflects on the turbulent events of 2021, Trump’s second inauguration serves as a reminder of the resilience — and vulnerability — of democratic institutions.