As I reflect on President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union Address, it’s clear we are witnessing the most consequential president of our lifetime.
President Trump inherited a nation in serious decline after years of failed policies under former President Joe Biden and his administration. Our country was being taken advantage of by foreign adversaries: China, Russia, Venezuela, and others — and even by long-time strategic allies who started to doubt our standing in the world.
President Trump’s leadership has truly put our nation back on the right track and has done so at a breakneck pace. It’s been truly impressive to witness.
He delivered historic tax relief for hardworking Americans in the One Big Beautiful Bill. He prevented tax increases, eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay, and expanded the Child Tax Credit to help families keep more of what they earn.
He has cut job-killing regulations on American businesses, secured the border, lowered crime in key areas, and reduced deaths linked to Fentanyl. Murder rates have also declined in many cities. Gasoline prices are down, American oil production is up, and everyday essentials — from eggs to milk — are becoming more affordable for families gathered around their dinner tables.
Under President Trump’s leadership, investment is also returning to American soil — boosting manufacturing, creating jobs, and revitalizing the Main Street businesses that are the backbone of our communities.
It’s not just the improvements mentioned above that warrant positive remarks. We’ve also had an improvement in American culture. Faith in God and country is increasing. In communities across this country, people are returning to faith, and turning away from the empty nihilism and secularism of the past. They are returning to the Judeo-Christian principles of our forefathers.
I’m thrilled that faith and family are seeing this needed resurgence. These values are powerful motivators in everything I do. I put faith first — in every decision I make for my family of five, and in my decision to run for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.
As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday this summer, it’s encouraging to see that the state of our Union is currently strong — and growing ever stronger. President Trump has put America back on the right track, but he needs reinforcements to continue on the positive path that we are currently on.
In Congress, I will work alongside President Trump and Republican leadership to build on the progress we see and deliver even greater results for the American people.
So as we look toward America’s 250th, let’s not lose sight of how far we have come in just a short time under President Trump’s leadership.
We certainly can’t go back to the failed policies that are being pushed by those on the Left, like Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other politicians who prefer raising taxes to increase revenue for big government social welfare programs and bloated bureaucracy. And if Democrats won’t stand for protecting American citizens before illegal aliens, it’s hard to tell what they stand for anymore. In such a climate, patriots have to be willing to stand with President Donald Trump.
Let’s keep moving our great nation forward in this positive new direction, following President Trump’s lead, to secure an even brighter future for the American people in 2027 and beyond.
Austin Rogers is a lifelong Panama City native, conservative attorney, and former General Counsel to Sen. Rick Scott. He is a candidate for Congress in Florida’s 2nd District.
