American presidential election: the key dates before the official inauguration of Donald Trump

The American presidential election has delivered its verdict. Donald Trump was elected 47th president of the United States, following an unprecedented campaign against Democrat Kamala Harris. By exceeding the 270 voters required, the Republican candidate secured victory and will return to the White House in January, four years after leaving it. “It’s a political victory, never seen before”he assured during his speech from his HQ in Florida.

Before the inauguration ceremony on January 20, several meetings will mark Donald Trump's return to power.

December 11: each state sends its results to the federal level

Each State must transmit to the National Archives (new window) of the country the name of its electors. They have until December 11 to send this “certificate of observation”. Once signed by the governor and the appropriate secretary of state, the document is transferred to the U.S. Congress (new window). It will also be available on the website of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the federal agency bringing together all government documents.

December 17: the electors meet to vote

The electors will then meet on December 17, each in their respective state. They are 538 in total and form the electoral college. They will officially elect the president and vice president. In most cases, they must vote according to the choice of voters in their state. The results will then be sent to the Senate, and again to the National Archives.

December 25: the result is sent to the Senate

The results of the votes of the electors must be sent to the Senate, also won by the Republicans on November 5, no later than the fourth Wednesday of the month of December. The date therefore falls this year for Christmas, December 25. Donald Trump will then gather at least 270 votes, or an absolute majority. The official document, allowing the name of the new president to be certified, will also be stored in the National Archives.

January 6, 2025: Congress proclaims the winner

Congress will meet on January 6, 2025 in Washington. Ironically, it will be Kamala Harris, as vice-president, who will chair this joint session. She will be responsible for officially announcing the name of the winner, in this case Donald Trump.

From then on, a transition period will open, allowing Joe Biden's administration to gradually hand over power to that of Donald Trump. The government will then begin to be constituted.

It is also a date that marked four years ago: on January 6, 2021, supporters of Donald Trump invaded the Capitol (new window). They wanted to denounce an alleged falsification of the election, considering that the Democrats had stolen the vote from the Republicans.

January 20, 2025: the new president is officially inaugurated

Like every four years, the inauguration ceremony of the new president will take place on January 20, on the steps of the Capitol. Shortly after his running mate JD Vance, Donald Trump will take the oath of office at noon sharp on the Bible, swearing to “to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”. Thousands of people are expected in Washington to attend the Inauguration Day ceremony.

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Finally, the new tenants of the White House will join the Oval Office, which they will occupy until the next election, in November 2028.