WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) published the following op-ed entitled, "Trump is rewriting the governing playbook" in the Washington Examiner. The op-ed details President Trump's March 2025 Address to Congress and the unprecedented successes and effectiveness of the Trump administration's first forty-five days in office.
Read the full op-ed here or below:
"Trump is rewriting the governing playbook"
Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)
Washington Examiner – March, 6, 2025
President Donald Trump’s Tuesday night joint address to Congress wasn’t just a speech; it was a booming celebration of what may be the most consequential first month of any administration in American history. Trump has set a pace so brisk that beltway journalists are scrambling to keep up. Luckily for them, the White House is providing a weekly record of achievement updates in case they fall behind.
With Cabinet appointments confirmed at a record clip, the fastest in recent history, Trump’s team has hit the ground running, committed to making America great again. Tuesday’s address merely grazed the surface of the outstanding progress already in motion and offered a tantalizing glimpse of bigger victories ahead.
The president has reignited the economy, securing nearly $3 trillion in private-sector investment and trade commitments. From Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion pledge to Apple’s $500 billion commitment to 20,000 jobs, foreign and domestic cash is flooding in, turbocharged by tariffs that shield American workers from global abuse. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has bumped growth forecasts to 2.5% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 1.9% in its previous survey. Trump’s economy has CEOs buzzing, with 60% planning pay raises. This isn’t just growth; it’s an economic renaissance unleashed at a level never before seen.
Trump secured the southern border in mere weeks, declaring a national emergency, then deployed over 5,000 troops, ended catch-and-release, and revived “Remain in Mexico” while piling new miles on the 400-plus miles of border wall already built. Migrant encounters? Down 93% in 11 days post-inauguration. The Laken Riley Act locks up violent illegal immigrants, while ICE has nabbed 20,000 in a month — 627% more than former President Joe Biden’s average — snaring child rapists and murderers. Mexico is sending 10,000 soldiers, and Colombia is offering planes. February’s crossings hit a record low, down 94% from last year, with shelters emptying and a reverse migrant flow south. Remember Biden saying he couldn’t do it? Neither does he, but thankfully, we have Trump now.
Trump has moved decisively to address fairness and accountability in key areas of American life. His executive order barring men from women’s sports prompted swift action from the NCAA and Virginia High School League, which banned the practice and ensured a level playing field for female athletes. Pediatric hospitals, from Chicago’s Lurie to Denver Health, have paused or scaled back sex-change procedures for minors following Trump’s directive to protect children from irreversible harm. Meanwhile, over $1 billion in DEI contracts have been axed across federal agencies, alongside divisive programs such as the Department of Education’s $600 million teacher training grants and the Army’s transgender enlistment policies.
Trump has transformed diplomacy into a masterclass of deal-making, hosting a whirlwind of foreign leaders in his first month. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged defense and trade deals, doubling Japan’s defense spending by 2027 and opening auto plants in the United States. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a $500 billion trade target — more than double 2023’s haul. Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom’s prime minister, committed to 2.5% GDP defense spending by 2027. These aren’t just photo ops — they’re power plays, racking up billions in trade, military muscle, and geopolitical leverage at a pace that reminds our allies and enemies alike that the adults are back in charge.
Tuesday night wasn’t just a recap of victories but a promise. Border crossings at record lows, factories humming, energy flowing, and red tape burning — all in 40 days. Corporate media talking heads will scoff, but a 53% approval rating in a February CBS poll — 70% saying he’s keeping promises — proves the public sees it. Trump’s not just governing; he’s rewriting the playbook. Tuesday night told the nation: this is only the beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Byron Donalds represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
