The United States Electoral College finally cast its votes, confirming the victory of President-Elect Joe Biden. Biden commented that not even the COVID-19 pandemic or an abuse of power was able to extinguish the flame of democracy.
"It is my sincere hope we never again see anyone subjected to the kind of abuse and threats we saw in this election," said Biden after the Electoral College confirmed his win.
The last state that cast its electoral votes was Hawaii, giving Biden 306 electoral votes, way over the needed 270, and leaving 232 for Trump. Contradicting fears, there were no faithless electors, contrasting with 2016 results.
President Donald Trump has not shown any willingness to concede, while some Republican Party senators have already acknowledged Biden's victory, among them Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham. Graham commented that President Donald Trump's path to the White House is very narrow given the latest decision of the Supreme Court, which denied the State of Texas' request to prevent Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from certifying their election results.
According to the U.S. Constitution, the final decision is now in the hands of Congress. Any effort to persuade Congress not to certify the Electoral College's decision would need the majority approval from both chambers of Congress, which at this point is highly unlikely considering that the Democrats control the House of Representatives. Congress is set to meet on January 6.
Attorney General William Barr announced that he is resigning next week. Trump announced his departure in amicable terms, highlighting that their relationship has been a very good one and announcing that the Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen is now taking over over Barr's position.