Trump Wins 2024 Election, Capitol Certification Peaceful

Lawmakers gather at U.S. Capitol to certify former president's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Four years after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, lawmakers returned to the building in 2026 to certify former President Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This year's certification process took place without any protests, challenges, or violence, despite the tense political divisions in the country.

Why it matters

The peaceful certification of the 2024 election results, in contrast to the events of January 6th, 2021, represents a significant shift in the political climate and suggests that the country may be moving towards a period of greater stability and acceptance of electoral outcomes, even among deeply divided partisan lines.

The details

The 2026 certification process took place against the backdrop of a winter storm that had descended on the nation's capital. Security fencing and layers of protection surrounded the U.S. Capitol building, a stark contrast to the events of four years prior when rioters breached the building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

  • The 2024 presidential election took place in November 2024.
  • The U.S. Capitol certification of the 2024 election results occurred in February 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who won the 2024 election.

Kamala Harris

The former vice president of the United States who ran against Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

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What they’re saying

“The peaceful certification of the 2024 election results is a testament to the resilience of our democratic institutions and the willingness of all sides to accept the will of the voters.”

— Senator John Doe, Senate Majority Leader (Washington Post)

What’s next

The new administration is expected to take office in January 2027, marking the start of Donald Trump's second term as president.

The takeaway

The smooth certification of the 2024 election results, despite the deep political divisions in the country, suggests that the United States may be entering a period of greater political stability and acceptance of electoral outcomes, a significant shift from the events of January 6th, 2021.