The election certification of 2025 marked a historic moment as Vice President Kamala Harris officially certified the vote count for President-elect Donald Trump on January 6, 2025. This event occurred exactly four years after the infamous January 6 Capitol Riot that followed President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Here’s everything you need to know about the certification process, where to watch it, and what’s next for the president-elect.
Where to Watch the 2025 Election Certification
The election certification aired live across major cable channels, including CBS News, PBS, and CNN. For those who missed the live event, it is available on streaming platforms like YouTube.
What Time Did the 2025 Election Certification Take Place?
The certification ceremony took place on January 6 in the afternoon. Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the process. At approximately 1:00 p.m. ET, the final certification of votes for President-elect Donald Trump was announced.
During the session, Harris delivered the official count:
“The state of the vote for the president of the United States as delivered to the president of the Senate is as follows: the whole number of the electors appointed to vote for president of the United States is 538. Within that whole number, the majority is 270. The votes for president of the United States are as follows: Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes.”
This announcement confirmed Trump’s electoral victory over Harris, who had also run for president during the 2024 election.
Key Moments During the Certification
After delivering the official count, Harris shook hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Republicans applauded enthusiastically as Trump’s and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s names were announced. Democrats also showed support for Harris as she read the total number of votes she received during the election.
When Will Trump Take Office?
Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, January 20, 2025. Following tradition, presidential inaugurations occur on January 20 after an election, unless the date falls on a Sunday (in which case, the ceremony takes place on January 21).
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will also take his oath of office during the inauguration ceremony. Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to attend the event, further symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power.