Now it’s official. Donald Trump is 47 years oldmy president of the United States. The Republican candidate won the US presidential election on Tuesday, November 5 against his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. But before returning to the White House for a second term, the president-elect will have to wait for several stages to unfold, including the official certification of the results by state and the solemn vote of the electors.
Until then, a transition period will open to allow the Biden administration to gradually transfer control to the new government team. These are the key dates to remember before Donald Trump’s official inauguration, scheduled for January 20, 2025.
Until December 11, 2024: the results certification process
After the announcement of the results by the main media and the candidates themselves, a vote certification process begins in the country that will allow local authorities to carry out possible recounts and resolve possible disputes related to the vote. Certification procedures and deadlines vary by state (November 25 for Arizona and Michigan, November 1Ahem December for Wisconsin…), but everyone must complete this process by the December 11 deadline, as required by the vote counting reform law passed in 2022.
The results are then certified by local officials (governor, secretary of state) and the discovery certificates are transmitted to the US national archives agency (National Archives and Records Administration) and Congress. It is also during this process that the designated electors in each state are formalized.
December 17, 2024: the vote of the electors
On this date, the 538 electors meet at an electoral college in their respective state capitals. This is when they officially vote for president and vice president. These votes are then sent to the President of the Senate, no later than the fourth Wednesday of December, that is, December 25. Voting certificates are also kept on file.
January 6, 2025: Congress endorses the results
Three days after being sworn in, the renewed Congress meets in joint session to count the votes, certify the results, and endorse the names of the president and vice president. Traditionally, the president of the Senate formalizes the results. Ironically, it is the losing candidate, Kamala Harris, who automatically holds this title of vice president of the United States.
It was during this session, on January 6, 2021, that supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to prevent Vice President Mike Pence from proclaiming Joe Biden’s victory. After this interruption, the session of Congress resumed during the night to formalize the name of the new tenant of the White House.
January 20, 2025: Donald Trump’s official inauguration
The new president will be inaugurated during “Inauguration Day” on January 20, 2025, in front of the Capitol in Washington. This date officially marks the beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidency and the end of Joe Biden’s.
The investiture ceremony is marked by several key moments. The artists usually take turns during this event. In 2021, singer Lady Gaga sang the American national anthem for Joe Biden, while Jennifer Lopez covered Woody Guthrie’s famous folk song. This Earth is your Earth. In 2017, during Trump’s first term, the anthem was sung by a former contestant on the reality show “America’s Got Talent.” Most of the requested stars refused to be present.
But the most important event of the day usually takes place at noon, when Donald Trump will take the oath of office. Tradition dictates that the new leader place his left hand on the Bible (this is not required) and swear before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States to protect the Constitution by raising his right hand:
“I solemnly swear that I will faithfully serve as President of the United States and, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me god. »
“I solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the office of President of the United States and that, to the best of my ability, I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. God help me. »
Vice President JD Vance will also be sworn in. Finally, Donald Trump will deliver a closing speech at the ceremony. The end of the day is traditionally marked by a parade, the signing of documents formalizing the new presidential cabinet, and then an inaugural ball.
