Biden wields gavel as Congress certifies Trump’s election

Vice President Joe Biden used his gavel on multiple occasions Friday afternoon after several Democratic lawmakers raised objections, outside of congressional rules, to the 2016 presidential election results.

Biden presided over the joint session of Congress that met at 1 p.m. in the House’s chambers to officially count Electoral College votes and certify Donald Trump’s election as President.

Biden then enforced the rules of the meeting as required by federal law by banging his gavel and admonishing several House Representatives who raised objections without the signed sponsorship of a Senator.

The objections included questions about the voting-rights act and the alleged involvement of the Russian government in hacking computers.

Three protesters were also removed as Biden read the final results of the election to Congress at about 1:40 p.m.

Trump was certified as the winner with 305 electoral votes as President. Also Hillary Clinton received 227 votes pledged to her. Other presidential electoral votes went to Colin Powell (three), John Kasich, Ron Paul, Bernie Sanders and Faith Spotted Eagle (one vote each).

Also receiving votes for Vice President were Elizabeth Warren (two votes), Susan Collins, Maria Cantwell and Carly Fiorina.