With a focused gaze, a broad grin, and a straightforward statement, Harris confirms her defeat to Trump.

4 election, which she lost to Donald Trump.

Jan. 7, 2025, 1:04 AM GMT+6

Upon entering the Senate chamber on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris made a straightforward statement when NBC News inquired about her role in overseeing the certification of the 2024 election: "Democracy prevails."

Shortly afterward, Harris followed through, guiding Congress in confirming the electoral vote that resulted in her loss and formally affirming Donald Trump's return to the White House.

With her hands clasped before her, Harris remained focused and composed as four senators took turns announcing the electoral results from each state.

She smiled broadly when the vote total reached the point where Trump was declared the next president, and again when her own vote total was announced, earning her a standing ovation from her party.

Harris' message on this January 6 mirrored the sentiments expressed by both her and President Joe Biden during the campaign trail. They advocated for the values of “freedom” and democracy, distancing themselves from the violent Capitol riot carried out by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, which led to an unprecedented attack on the nation’s legislative heart.

What was noticeably absent this time, compared to four years ago, were the gallows and noose placed outside the Capitol. There were no chants calling for the vice president’s execution for not rejecting the people's will and the legitimate election result. Instead, the event unfolded as it was meant to, a procedural formality that took only 30 minutes.

Ultimately, the American electorate rejected Harris, ushering in Trump, who had campaigned on promises to disrupt the status quo. Trump secured 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, winning the popular vote and carrying key battleground states, including those that had once formed the Democrats' so-called "blue wall."

In contrast to Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results, Harris gracefully conceded her loss, offering words of reassurance to her supporters the day after the election.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say ... the light of America’s promise will always burn bright,” she said.