US Congress formally certifies Donald Trump's presidential election win

WASHINGTON: United States (US) Congress on Monday formally certified President-elect Donald Trump's win in the Nov 5 election, marking the final step before the Jan 20 inauguration, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in November, presided over the session in her constitutional role as president of the Senate.

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

In a recorded video on social media prior to the certification, Harris said, "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy."

The certification has drawn comparison with Jan 6, 2021, when a violent mob overran the US Capitol, assaulting law enforcement as they smashed their way into the national legislature in an attempt to block President Joe Biden from assuming office.

The session unfolded swiftly and without protest, with state results read aloud with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance's attendance. Trump secured 312 Electoral College votes to Harris's 226.

Lawmakers convened under heightened security and heavy snowfall blanketing Washington, DC.

-- BERNAMA