Biden’s Victory Confirmed While Trump Ensures Smooth Transition

Photo by Alex Gakos

A riot broke out in the U.S. Capitol over the Presidential election forcing senators and lawmakers alike to evacuate on Jan. 6. In the early hours of the morning, Congress reconvened and announced the victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. 

ELECTORAL VOTES

Although the Capitol building was flooded with rioters, a staffer managed to grab the box containing the electoral votes which were then counted in another location. President-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received 306 votes and the Trump administration received 232 according to NPR. 270 votes are needed to win the presidency. 

Although Trump called upon Vice President Pence to challenge the election, Pence said in a statement he does not “have the unilateral authority” to decide the presidential contest. 

AN ORDERLY TRANSITION

Trump addressed the Capitol riots in a video released Thursday. He said, “to those who broke the law, you will pay.” Trump also acknowledged his defeat to the Biden campaign later on.

“A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,” Trump said. “My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.” 

While Trump says he does not agree with the outcome of the election, the transition will be orderly when Biden takes office. 

TRUMP BANNED FROM TWITTER

Trump’s social media director also confirmed this on Twitter after the president’s account was suspended and then permanently banned. 

His final tweet read, “To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.”

Twitter made a statement about the permanent suspension of the account on Friday citing “the risk of further incitement of violence”.