4 Years Post-Capitol Riot: Congress Quietly Certifies Trump’s Reelection

On a snowy Monday morning, the atmosphere on Capitol Hill was marked by an unusual stillness as lawmakers gathered to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s victory from November. The snow blanketed the grounds, creating a stark backdrop as groundskeepers worked to clear the accumulating snowfall from the marble steps of the Capitol.

The bitter cold didn’t deter law enforcement, who navigated the snow-drenched landscape. Police officers, dressed in heavy reflective gear, maneuvered around temporary fencing buried under drifts of snow. This year marked the four-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a traumatic day when a mob of Trump supporters violently breached the Capitol to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s election.

In stark contrast to the chaos of 2021, this year’s scene was largely subdued. Security measures included layers of fortified fencing around the Capitol complex, complemented by multiple checkpoints manned by U.S. Capitol Police. Inside, a significant police presence patrolled the vicinity, ensuring safety against any potential unrest.

Outside, a lone protester, 29-year-old Maxwell Goddard, stood in the snow. A trail crew worker with the U.S. Forest Service from New Hampshire, he expressed his dismay over the Supreme Court’s allowance of Trump on the 2024 ballot despite the insurrection. Holding a sign referencing the 14th Amendment, he hoped to urge lawmakers to use their removal powers responsibly.

Inside the Capitol, the atmosphere was decidedly different. The certification of Trump’s victory unfolded without significant disruption, completing swiftly in just 30 minutes. Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the event, silently enduring shouted questions from reporters regarding her sentiments on presiding over this moment.

Despite the relative calm, the shadow of the January 6th events lingered in discussions. Senator Dick Durbin recalled the riot, labeling it “an unprecedented attack on the cornerstone of our democracy.” He emphasized the need to reject political violence in all forms, echoing a sentiment shared by many lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, addressing the floor, cautioned against any moves to pardon the instigators of the riot, framing it as a crucial stance for democracy.

As the Justice Department continues to pursue accountability for those involved in the riot—over 1,500 cases filed with around 250 convictions—Attorney General Merrick Garland reiterated the importance of defending the rule of law and the democratic process. Today’s certification process was framed as a return to normalcy, offering a solemn yet peaceful conclusion to a tumultuous past.