Washington (AP) — Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election amidst heavy security and a snowstorm, demonstrating a stark contrast to the chaos of January 6, 2021. The legacy of that day, marred by violence and attempts to overturn the election result, loomed over the proceedings as Trump, who had previously sought to nullify his defeat, prepared to assume office once again.

Lawmakers gathered under the tightest national security measures, with fences surrounding the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of the violent assault four years prior. On that day, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, fueled by his rhetoric to “fight like hell.” This time around, however, the atmosphere was calm, with no protests or procedural challenges expected. Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over the session, formally read the electoral results and stated, “Today, America’s democracy stood,” affirming the certification of Trump's win amidst polite applause from both parties.

After just half an hour, the legislative body completed the process— a speed and tranquility reminiscent of normal historical transitions of power. Trump's decisive 312-226 Electoral College victory led both Republicans and Democrats to accept the results without challenge. Harris later described the day as a “good day for democracy,” reflecting a significant departure from the preceding tumultuous events of January 6 (Time).

Despite the previous attempt at undermining democracy, Trump's re-election has raised questions about the stability of American political norms. The new procedural rules established following the events of 2021 require a significantly higher threshold for raising objections during certification, effectively ensuring a smoother process this time. "I think the win was so decisive. It stifled most of that,” said Congressman Andy Biggs, highlighting the contrast to previous years when election results were contested within their own states.

Even the Democratic Party, while frustrated by the outcome, has accepted the electoral process’s integrity, distancing itself from election denialism. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed his colleagues, stating, “There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle,” reinforcing the sense of unity in accepting the election results (HuffPost).

Trump's legacy from the January 6 incident is complex, as he prepares to return to power, all while stirring old disputes regarding his previous alleged misconduct and the legal charges that followed. His plans for the presidency include pardoning individuals convicted of crimes related to the Capitol siege and continuing to question the legitimacy of prior elections, labeling January 6 as a “day of love” (AP News).

The calm associated with this certification of Trump’s victory contrasts sharply with the preceding violence. The scenes of chaos four years ago, where Capitol police were overwhelmed and far-right militia groups clashed with law enforcement, are forever etched in American history. Leaders of groups like the Proud Boys have received significant sentences for their roles in the insurrection, marking a period of retribution post-January 6.

As the nation reflects on these contrasting images of democracy in action— the peaceful transfer of power and past insurrection— it remains critical for Americans to grapple with the implications of electing a figure whose prior actions attempted to challenge the very fabric of their democratic process. “We should not be lulled into complacency,” warned Ian Bassin, executive director of Protect Democracy, reminding citizens that the path forward requires vigilance (SCMP).

For further information, you can read the full reporting on AP News, HuffPost, Time, and South China Morning Post.