WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) penned an op-ed in The Gainesville Times reflecting on President Trump's historic first year back in office.


Read Rep. Clyde's piece below or in The Gainesville Times HERE.


The Gainesville Times | Guest column, Andrew Clyde: Assessing Trump's first year back

It’s been one year since President Donald J. Trump — along with his bold ideas and decisive leadership — returned to the White House.

While the excitement among my fellow Republicans was palpable last January, few thought the President’s Washington homecoming would be easy. After all, he inherited countless catastrophes left behind by the Biden-Harris Administration.

Yet in true Trump fashion, the President hit the ground running — rescuing a broken nation, overwhelming the left-wing media, and triggering the Democrat Party in one fell swoop.

As the America First victories piled up in a matter of days, I often quipped, “Are y’all tired of winning yet?” to constituents and colleagues alike.

Now that we’re one full year into President Trump’s historic comeback, the result of his relentless work for the American people is undeniable: One year of wins.

For evidence, look no further than the southern border.

After four brutal years of Democrats’ open border policies, America finally has a secure border again. Border crossings are down 93% year-over-year, zero illegal aliens have been released into the country for eight straight months, and the U.S. experienced negative net migration for the first time in 50 years.

Many said it couldn’t be done — turns out all we needed was a new President.

Under Trump’s leadership, the Department of Homeland Security has worked tirelessly to remove the worst of the worst from our streets. In fact, 70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States. Thankfully, these efforts have also taken thousands of dangerous illegals out of the Peach State — including numerous criminals who were ravaging Northeast Georgia communities like Gainesville. In addition to making our nation safe again, President Trump’s mass deportations are improving everyday Americans’ lives by lowering housing costs, expanding job opportunities, and increasing wages.

What’s more, President Trump delivered the largest working family tax cut in American history. In July, he signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law after the monumental package passed through Congress with my support. Without the OBBB tax cuts, the average taxpayer in Georgia’s Ninth District would have faced a whopping 23% tax hike. The President’s signature law also establishes no tax on tips or overtime pay, expands the Child Tax Credit, and provides significant tax relief to seniors, farmers, and small business owners.

But President Trump refused to stop there.

From rescissions to deregulation, the Trump Administration has worked around the clock to protect your hard-earned tax dollars. For example, the President’s historic deregulatory actions have resulted in over $210 billion in net cost savings.

As the White House tackles the affordability woes created by Joe Biden’s reckless economic policies and inflationary spending, Americans are already seeing meaningful relief. Wages are rising, national gas prices are below $3 for the first time since 2021, and mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in over three years.

Promises made, promises kept — both at home and abroad.

After restoring the warrior ethos in our great military and with a strong Commander-in-Chief at the helm, America is both respected and feared on the world stage once again. For example, President Trump successfully secured commitments from NATO member nations to pay their fair share of defense spending and effectively brokered peace agreements to end eight wars. Notably, his widely acclaimed Gaza Peace Plan resulted in the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages, who survived horrendous conditions at the hands of Hamas terrorists for more than two years.

Peace through Strength is back and better than ever before.

Despite liberal pundits and lawmakers’ desperate attempts to shamelessly spin and downright lie about President Trump’s first year back in office, the American people know the truth: America is safer, stronger, and more prosperous under his leadership.

We’ve experienced one year of remarkable wins — yet there is so much more to accomplish. As President Trump continues working for the American people and delivering on his promises, our Republican-led Congress must unapologetically follow suit by building upon this successful foundation. From codifying President Trump’s victorious executive actions to advancing more of his bold, America First policies, I remain committed to working with the Trump Administration to secure additional wins for Northeast Georgia workers, families, and small businesses.

The best is yet to come.

Rep. Andrew Clyde represents Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.