Four years back, our democracy faced a serious challenge—and it came through strong.
This January 6, we’ll restore order. Congressional members, staff, and clerks will come together to officially confirm the results of a fair presidential election and ensure that power transitions smoothly. The Capitol Police will be on duty to protect this cornerstone of our democracy.
The vice president will uphold her constitutional role by overseeing the certification of her opponent’s victory from the November election. This ceremony has been a symbol of hope for over two hundred years, affirming the voice of the people.
In the past, we often viewed this process as just another routine event. But after witnessing what happened on January 6, 2021, we’ve learned not to take it lightly anymore.
That day was marked by violent insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol, putting elected officials in danger and attacking courageous law enforcement officers.
We should take pride in how our democracy stood firm against that assault and feel relieved that such disgraceful actions won’t be repeated this year. However, it’s crucial that we don’t forget what happened; there’s wisdom in remembering that nations which ignore their history are likely to repeat it.
We can’t allow a replay of those events from four years ago. There’s an ongoing effort to rewrite or even erase what transpired that day—to convince us we didn’t see what was right before our eyes or dismiss concerns as mere partisan issues or label it as an unruly protest gone wrong. That’s simply not accurate.
In time, there will be people who didn’t experience the January 6 riot firsthand but will learn about it through videos and testimonies from that day—through history books and stories we share with future generations. We must ensure that the truth remains clear and unclouded.
A huge crowd of rioters stormed the National Mall and scaled the Capitol’s walls, breaking windows and forcing their way through doors. Just a short distance away, a bomb was discovered near where the next vice president would be, posing a serious threat to her safety.
Law enforcement officers faced brutal assaults—they were beaten, dragged, knocked out, and trampled. Tragically, some police lost their lives that day. As president-elect at that time, I addressed the nation, urging everyone to seek peace and allow the certification process to continue.
Now, as I prepare to leave office four years later, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transfer of power while honoring our longstanding traditions in America. The election will be certified without incident. I’ve invited the new president to join me at the White House on January 20th in the morning, and I’ll be there for his inauguration later that day.
However, we must not forget what happened on this day. We owe it to those who established our nation and those who have fought for it—and given their lives—to remember January 6th each year. It’s crucial we view it as a moment when our democracy faced a challenge but ultimately succeeded.
We need to recognize that democracy is never something we can take for granted—even here in America. It’s our democracy that enables all our freedoms, rights, liberties, and dreams; it’s up to every generation of Americans to safeguard it.