By Burnett Munthali
The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House has captivated the political landscape following his decisive victory in the latest U.S. presidential race. With his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, conceding defeat and calling for a peaceful transfer of power, Trump’s path back to the presidency is becoming clearer, yet there are still key steps in the process before he is formally sworn in.
The road to confirmation
Although world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UK’s Keir Starmer, have already extended their congratulations to Trump, the official confirmation of the election results remains a crucial next step. This is especially significant given the highly competitive nature of the race, with many battleground states such as North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin playing a pivotal role in securing Trump’s victory.
According to projections, including those from CBS, Trump secured the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. The timing of this projection, coming shortly after 05:30 EST on November 6, was an important milestone, as it officially placed Trump over the threshold required for victory, though final certification of results and any legal challenges could delay the process.
Constitutional process: The certification of results
The U.S. Constitution outlines a clear process for confirming the winner of a presidential election. While projections may suggest a winner, the results are not final until the states certify their election results, typically occurring in December. The certification process includes the state electors meeting in their respective capitals to cast their votes, which are then sent to Congress.
After certification, the U.S. Congress will convene in early January to formally count the electoral votes. At this point, any remaining objections can be raised, though historically, this is a ceremonial process. Once the votes are tallied and no significant objections stand, the outcome is final.
The inauguration
Trump’s official return to the White House would occur on Inauguration Day, which falls on January 20. This day marks the beginning of his second term in office, following a break of four years. As the first former president to return to office in over 130 years, Trump’s inauguration would carry significant historical weight. Additionally, at 78, Trump would become the oldest person to ever assume the presidency.
Political implications and challenges ahead
Though Trump’s victory has been projected, there are still potential hurdles to overcome. Legal challenges and recounts in key swing states could delay the certification of results, but these have historically had limited impact on the final outcome unless there is substantial evidence of widespread fraud. A smooth transfer of power is expected, though there may be ongoing political tensions as the nation braces for a transition back to a Trump-led administration.
One of the most important aspects of Trump’s post-election plans is his pledge to “heal the country.” Surrounded by family during his victory speech, Trump outlined his commitment to national unity after a deeply polarized election cycle. Whether this promise will be realized in practice remains to be seen, as political divisions in the U.S. have remained pronounced throughout his first term and beyond.
Conclusion
Trump’s return to the White House hinges on the completion of the constitutional and ceremonial processes, with final confirmation of his victory expected by early January. The political landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the nation prepares for his second term. Whether the country can truly be healed as Trump suggests will be one of the most pressing questions of his presidency.
