In fact, the second Trump administration is not starting with a whimper. But as Washington prepares for Donald Trump’s re-inauguration on January 20, the atmosphere around the city has been much less volatile and traumatic than Joe Biden’s inauguration four years ago. No election-fraud conspiracy is being spread from within the corridors of the government. No vandalism in the Capitol. So far, the post-election, pre-inauguration phase has been comparatively, and fortunately, boring.
Members of the 119th Congress took the oath of office on January 3 and left quietly. While swearing in senators, as is the duty of the Vice President, Kamala Harris made nice with Republican members who had strongly criticized her during the campaign. Even when Senator Deb Fischer’s husband refused to shake her hand, she walked over with a wry smile and raised eyebrows. His mingling with the daughters of Pennsylvania’s new Republican senator, David McCormick, was a touching tribute to the peaceful transfer of power.
Things were generally quiet in the House too – definitely grading on a curve. Even the tension over whether Republicans would fight over who should be speaker finally subsided. With some hand-wringing at the last minute, including the president-elect’s voice from his golf course in Florida, Mr. Johnson insisted on casting the first ballot, hand still in hand.
for the first timeCongressional certification of the election was designated a special security program, which included all precautionary measures. Fencing was erected around the Capitol, roads were closed and additional law enforcement officers were put on duty. The deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day had officials even more worried. US Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger assured the public days before the certification, “We are all on high alert.”
Scheduled to start at 1pm, the process took a little over half an hour and was exactly as intended. As President of the Senate, Ms. Harris ordered a joint session; The presentation of the electoral votes, without any objection or other incident, proceeded alphabetically by state; Ms. Harris announced the final numbers: 312 for Mr. Trump and 226 for herself; As the session ended, the entire House burst into applause – if not for the results, then for the victory of democracy.
And that’s how it was done. Fast and intuitive, as the founders intended.
In fact, the biggest drama of the day was not man-made. In the early hours of January 6, a winter storm arrived, causing the largest snowfall that Washingtonians have experienced in years. The federal government and schools closed. But validation waits for no one. Workers rushed to clear snow from the Capitol steps. And as lawmakers gathered to bless the election results, with the Capitol grounds draped in a thick blanket of white, the entire scene was almost silent.
I wish the incoming Trump presidency would be half as chaos-free.