One year after the 2024 election, President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have reported progress on several policy fronts. According to their statement, the administration has focused on border security, law enforcement, tax relief, government efficiency, energy production, trade agreements, and education reform.
In terms of border control measures, the administration declared a national emergency at the southern border and claims that illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border are now at their lowest annual level since 1970. Over 150,000 criminal aliens have reportedly been arrested and 139,000 deported since January. Fentanyl trafficking at the southern border is said to have decreased by 56% compared to the same period in 2024.
On public safety issues, reports from law enforcement agencies indicate that homicides dropped by 19% nationwide during the first half of 2025 compared to last year. Murders in Washington D.C. are down by 60%, which officials attribute to a federal crackdown on violent crime in the capital. The Laken Riley Act became law this year, requiring detention and removal of criminal illegal aliens.
The administration also highlighted efforts to cut waste in government spending. Officials report ending taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens with claimed savings exceeding $185 billion. A new Department of Government Efficiency was established with an estimated saving of more than $1,300 per taxpayer.
Republican leaders say they blocked what they describe as “the largest tax hike in American history” and eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay while providing additional tax relief for seniors. Permanent tax breaks were secured for small businesses regarding equipment costs and interest expenses.
Regarding economic indicators, core inflation has reached its lowest point in four years according to officials; gas prices fell below $3 per gallon in October; blue-collar wages reportedly experienced their largest growth in nearly six decades; stock indexes hit record highs; and consumer confidence reached its highest mark since 2018.
Energy policies included expanding domestic oil production—reportedly reaching a record 13.8 million barrels per day—and opening about 200 million acres of public land for drilling.
On international matters and defense spending among allies: all NATO members are expected to spend at least two percent of GDP on defense this year—a significant increase from previous years. All branches of the U.S military met or exceeded recruiting goals for fiscal year 2025.
Additional actions cited include banning federal funding for certain medical procedures involving minors; blocking taxpayer money from being used by abortion providers; establishing a national school choice program allowing K-12 students access to federal vouchers; securing new trade agreements covering over half global GDP; collecting record tariff revenues; and reporting large investments bringing jobs back into U.S manufacturing sectors.
Mike Johnson continues his service as representative for Louisiana’s fourth congressional district—a role he has held since replacing John Fleming in Congress in 2017 (https://www.congress.gov/member/mike-johnson/J000299). Before joining Congress he served in Louisiana’s state legislature from 2015–2017 (https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Johnson_(Louisiana)). Johnson was born in Shreveport in 1972 and currently resides in Benton (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/J000299). He graduated with both a BA (1995) and JD (1998) from Louisiana State University.
