Update (1335ET): Trump captured the presidency with 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226 — a total that was confirmed during the certification on Monday, marking the final step in the election process before Trump formally takes back the White House on Jan. 20..

Republicans gave a standing ovation in the chamber when Harris announced Trump's victory was now certified.

A bipartisan standing ovation broke out in the House chamber after Harris declared the joint session of Congress dissolved.

In a video released ahead of the certification, Harris hailed the "peaceful transfer of power" as a bedrock of U.S. democracy, calling her duty a "sacred obligation."

"As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile," Harris said.

"And it is up to each of us to stand up for our most cherished principles."