US Congress will formally certify Donald Trump's 2020 election victory on Monday, a day that tragically coincides with the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot. The certification process, where electoral votes are tallied and validated, will take place in a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris.
This solemn occasion marks a significant moment in American history. The January 6th insurrection, fueled by false claims of election fraud, resulted in violence and the disruption of democratic processes. Despite Trump's persistent claims of a rigged election, no credible evidence has emerged to support these assertions.
The formal certification will involve the transportation and unsealing of electoral vote records from the respective states. These records will be read aloud in alphabetical order at 1 PM ET (6 PM GMT). Given the historical context and the role of the Vice President in the process, this moment presents a symbolic challenge for Vice President Harris.
President Biden, reflecting on the January 6th events, highlighted the resilience of American democracy in a recent Washington Post editorial. He cautioned against historical revisionism and urged the nation to remember the critical events of four years prior. His remarks were underscored by the ongoing effort to pardon rioters.
Meanwhile, former Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonell expressed devastation over Trump's proposed pardons. Gonell argues that pardoning the rioters would be a setback for justice and potentially endanger law enforcement. This further underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the events of January 6th.
Trump, in a separate development, made unfounded claims of a rigged trial regarding hush money payments, following a guilty verdict. The statements of the former president, along with other related developments, are likely to be addressed further in the coming days and weeks.
