The 2024 Election Is Over: What Comes Next?

Photo Courtesy of Britannica

After an eventful election season, it has finally concluded. Former President Donald Trump has been declared the winner and will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America. 

As the national government prepares for a transition of power, there are a couple of key events set to happen. This process was outlined in the Constitution and ensured a fair election before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2025. 

The first item is each state must submit its Certification of Ascertainment. While American Voters have already cast their ballots, states have until Dec. 11 to confirm their election results. States will list the names of all candidates for President and Vice President and the number of votes received by each slate. 

On Dec. 17, the Electoral College representatives from each state meet to record the electoral votes. The Certificate of the Vote is then created. This is a document that is created after the electors convene in each state to formally cast their vote. 

Afterward, everything from the states is sent to Congress. They then count all 538 votes and cross-check documents in order to ensure transparency and accuracy in determining the outcome of the presidential election. 

On Jan. 6, Congress will finish this process and officially declare the winners of the election. Kamala Harris will act as the overseer of this process in her role as Vice President and certify the results. 

Throughout this process, the transition of power takes place. President Biden and Donald Trump have already a set time to meet and discuss the transition. The tradition of the President and President-elect meeting symbolizes a commitment to the peaceful transfer of power in American democracy.

Trump and his administration started to appoint potential advisors and transition team co-chairs. This includes Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick as transition team co-chairs and Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, and Matt Gaetz as advisors. 

The Trump administration is facing pushback from the public for possibly appointing Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy. Comments from the media include that each is unqualified and too controversial for each position. 

As of now, Congressman Matt Gaetz has been selected to be Trump’s attorney general. This comes as a shock because of his extremely controversial and conservative views. This first addition sends a clear message that Trump intends to shake up the establishment when he returns to power. 

On the other hand, Linda McMahon is a prominent Connecticut businesswoman who worked alongside President-elect Donald Trump during his first term as head of the Small Business Administration and CEO. Additionally, she is noted for her work as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). 

With her potential new position, she would serve as a co-chair on Donald Trump’s presidential transition team and aim to change the White House from Joe Biden’s Democratic administration to Donald Trump’s Republican administration. 

Howard Lutnick would work alongside McMahon to assert this transition. Although recently, there is circulation that Lutnick along with Scott Bessent aims to be a contender for Treasury Secretary. 

Billionaire Howard Lutnick is Chairman and CEO of one of the world’s leading financial service firms – Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. To add, he is the CEO of BGC Group Inc., a global brokerage and financial technology company.