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Peaceful transfer to new Trump era


Happy 2025! It’s Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at Paste BN. Did you miss me? On Politics is back after a little hiatus. For those impacted by the winter storm, I hope you’re staying warm (I know I am with my cup of hot chocolate!) 

One more update before we get to the news: In addition to On Politics, I’m taking over writing another Paste BN newsletter: The Short List. There, I’ll be bringing you to the top news stories of the day – from politics to entertainment to national news. Subscribe here.

The new Trump era begins: Congress certifies the 2024 presidential election

All it took was 30 minutes. Congress on Monday officially certified the 2024 presidential election results. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, presided over a joint Congress as the results from each state were read aloud. With 312 electoral votes, Republicans Donald Trump and JD Vance were named the winners of the election as president and vice president. Read more.

The quick certification process was a switch from four years ago. On Jan. 6, 2021, thousands of Trump’s supporters stormed the United States Capitol in an effort to stop the 2020 presidential election results from being certified.

  • President Joe Biden in an op-ed published Sunday said Americans should not forget the attack on their democracy or allow the history of that day to be rewritten.
  • From the rioters who breached the Capitol building to the lawmakers trapped inside, from Trump-world turncoats, to Trump himself, here’s where they are now. 

The final tally

A politics pit stop

House Republicans warn of 'sincere reservations' Speaker Johnson can pass Trump's agenda

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., may have been selected to stay as the House’s top leader. But expectations are high – and some doubts remain – whether Johnson can pass Donald Trump’s agenda once he takes office. A group of 11 House Republicans said Johnson “must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump’s bold agenda.” Read more.

Joe Biden sits down with Paste BN's Susan Page for exclusive interview

For months, Joe Biden has kept a low profile. The 82-year-old president’s one and only term is coming to an end in the coming weeks. And in his final days in office, he sat down with Paste BN’s Washington Bureau chief Susan Page in an exclusive interview. The 55-minute interview, which will touch on his legacy, the 2024 election and more, will publish on Wednesday. Read more.

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.