US Congress certifies Trump election victory

YEREVAN, JANUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump's election victory on Monday during a session presided over by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the November contest, Reuters reports.

Trump’s inauguration is set to take place in two weeks.

Harris oversaw the roll call of the states in the vice president's ceremonial role as president of the Senate.

"Today was obviously a very important day, and it was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power," Reuters quoted Harris as saying. "I do believe very strongly that American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it."

Sitting in the House chamber was Senator JD Vance, whose vice presidential victory was also certified by Harris. Vance stood and waved to the members in the chamber when his electoral vote total was announced.

"Congress certifies our great election victory today - a big moment in history. MAGA!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social earlier on Monday.

The final certification backed up preliminary findings that Trump won 312 Electoral College votes to Harris's 226.