House Republicans celebrate Trump’s second first 100 days, we recap his top accomplishments, and more!
The House GOP on President Trump’s second first 100 days; inside Tulsi Gabbard’s DNI reorganization; Heard on the Hill; and more!
April 29, 2025
Let’s dive in.
INTERVIEW: 15 House Republicans on Trump's first 100 days, DOGE, reconciliation, and more!
Heard on the Hill
EXCLUSIVE: President Trump's first 100 days by the numbers
EXCLUSIVE: "President Trump can win a Nobel Peace Prize": American, foreign leaders reflect on Trump's first 100 days
SCOOP: Freshman GOP Class President recaps Trump's 100 days
EXCLUSIVE: Tulsi Gabbard adds counternarcotics to counterterrorism center, announces leads on over 1,000 illegal immigrants tied to ISIS and gangs
EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers blast "fuelers of hate" behind latest university BDS proposal
K-STREET, 10,000 FEET: Telecoms giants take contrasting approaches to Trump fair trade policies
OPINIONATED: Reps. Andy Barr, August Pfluger, Ben Cline, and Mark Harris share their thoughts on the first 100 days of the Trump administration
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INTERVIEW: 15 House Republicans on Trump's first 100 days, DOGE, reconciliation, and more!:
by Matthew Foldi
THE LOWDOWN:
15 House Republicans spoke with the Washington Reporter at a media row organized by Rep. Lisa McClain (R., Mich.), the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference in advance of President Trump’s 100th day in office.
All House Republicans the Reporter spoke with were pleased both by Trump’s performance and with that of one of his top allies, Elon Musk — the billionaire visionary behind the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Republicans in Congress also told the Reporter that they love Trump’s fight with higher education — and with Harvard in particular.
Rep. Randy Fine (R., Fla.), who both attended Harvard and sits on the Education and Workforce Committee, said that recent activity on campuses is making him consider introducing a national version of a law he passed in the Florida legislature that would punish schools that adopt anti-Semitic Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) policies.
“Promises made, promises kept,” is how Reps. John Rose (R., Tenn.), Rudy Yakym (R., Ind.), and Ralph Norman (R., S.C.) all characterized the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
The Republican trio, alongside twelve of their House GOP colleagues, spoke with the Washington Reporter at a media row organized by Rep. Lisa McClain (R., Mich.), the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference in advance of President Trump’s 100th day in office.
All House Republicans the Reporter spoke with were pleased both by Trump’s performance and with that of one of his top allies, Elon Musk — the billionaire visionary behind the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump’s second win, Norman said, was like having “a black veil lifted over the American people.”
And Musk’s work to slash government spending via DOGE received rave reviews.
Rep. Eric Burlison (R., Mo.), who would give Trump an A or an A+ thus far, said that DOGE is so popular that “when I go home and go to church or the grocery stores, that’s the thing that people are most excited about.”
“They want to see Congress do what we haven’t done in decades: cut spending,” Burlison said.
Now, Burlison wants to cement DOGE’s legacy and “take all of the savings identified by DOGE and we need to put them in our appropriations bills.”
“When it comes to reconciliation, we need to make sure that we deliver on what we promised,” he said.
All 15 House Republicans interviewed by the Reporter — including Rep. Kevin Hern (R., Okla.), who chairs the Republican Policy Committee, and Rep. Jason Smith (R., Mo.), who chairs the Ways and Means Committee — believed that Trump will get his wish and that the “big, beautiful bill” he wants via congressional reconciliation will become law.
“It’s the only way forward,” Hern said, adding that “if you look at the border, you look at taxation, there is something in this bill for everyone in the House and Senate.”
HEARD ON THE HILL
DC’S NEXT TOP LOBBYIST: Don’t forget to nominate your friends, loved ones, respected coworkers, or that very influential lobbyist you heard of for the Washington Reporter’s list of the most influential advocates in our nation’s capital! To submit a nomination, please provide the nominee’s name, affiliation, and a brief explanation of why they deserve a spot. Submissions should be emailed to Matthew@washingtonreporter.news with the subject line “NOMINATION FOR INFLUENTIAL ADVOCATE.”
PRESIDENTIAL PUBLICATION: President Donald Trump had a busy morning today, sharing multiple op-eds we published on his Truth Social account, including the newest pieces by Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.) and Rep. Ben Cline (R., Va.). President Trump previously told the Reporter, “
CONSERVATIVE RENAISSANCE: Rep. August Pfluger (R., Texas), the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, told the Reporter that President Donald Trump’s results from his first 100 days “delivered beyond all expectations.” Pfluger specifically singled out how Trump “is delivering a secure border, revitalizing the American energy sector, and a reshaping of the world order that puts our interests first…We're truly living in the dawn of a conservative renaissance that will reshape our nation for the next 100 years.”
DOLLYWOOD TO D.C.: The Kennedy Center will be hosting the National Symphony Orchestra to perform Dolly Parton’s Threads this summer. Tickets for Kennedy Center members to attend this “one-of-a-kind multimedia concert experience” are already available. The Kennedy Center told us it’s expected to sell out almost immediately. “It’s about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way,” Parton said.
READY TO ROCK: Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.) rolled out a series of high-profile endorsements for his Senate campaign, including from Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.), Rep. Hal Rogers (R., Ky.), and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.), Barr’s campaign told the Reporter.
A message from our sponsor.
Medicaid helps provide security to our friends and neighbors, providing high-quality care for more than 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Congress should vote against efforts to reduce Medicaid funding and instead focus on policies that strengthen access to 24/7 care.
EXCLUSIVE: President Trump's first 100 days by the numbers
by Matthew Foldi and the Washington Reporter
THE LOWDOWN:
The numbers don’t lie: President Donald Trump and his administration are on their way to making America great again.
In President Trump’s second first 100 days, he has shown he has not only nailed his return to the West Wing, but that his policies are resonating within the trenches of Washington.
The Washington Reporter reviewed the numbers of the Trump administration’s first 100 days and the work is showing.
On the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) front, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Digital Assets Bo Hines told the Reporter that in “his first 100 days, President Trump strengthened American leadership in digital financial technology, established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and repealed harmful regulations like the IRS DeFi broker rule.”
The first 100 days of any presidency are the proving ground of his agenda. These short, but long, days lay the groundwork and the tone for the administration’s work over the next four years, and they are critical to get right.
In President Donald Trump’s second first 100 days, he has shown he has not only nailed his return to the West Wing, but that his policies are resonating within the trenches of Washington. The Washington Reporter analyzed the numbers and spoke with Trump administration officials about the historic presidency taking place at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
One of the president’s main campaign promises was to make America safe again, which he has been accomplishing since day one. President Trump’s border policies, coupled with the on-the-ground leadership of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, not only closed the border, also but dramatically dropped the number of encounters by 93 percent. Additionally, encounters with “gotaways” are down by 95 percent and fentanyl traffic at the southern border is down 54 percent.
On the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) front, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Digital Assets Bo Hines told the Reporter that in “his first 100 days, President Trump strengthened American leadership in digital financial technology, established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and repealed harmful regulations like the IRS DeFi broker rule.”
“The administration continues to dismantle operation Chokepoint 2.0, deliver clear regulatory guidance to foster American innovation, and champion pro-crypto legislation to make the United States the crypto capital of the world,” Hines continued.
“During his first 100 days, President Trump has removed barriers and burdensome regulations to American leadership in artificial intelligence, revolutionized the way the federal government will interact and utilize this groundbreaking technology, and made it a priority to ensure our workforce, educators, and young people are familiarized with AI,” OSTP communications director Victoria LaCivita told the Reporter.
“He has paved the way for American innovation and leadership in the most consequential technology of our lifetime,” she continued.
Elsewhere on the domestic policy front, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer told the Reporter that “President Trump is delivering results like no administration in history — driving record manufacturing growth, bringing historic investments back to our shores, and putting American Workers First.”
EXCLUSIVE: "President Trump can win a Nobel Peace Prize": American, foreign leaders reflect on Trump's first 100 days
by Matthew Foldi
THE LOWDOWN:
President Donald Trump “can win a Nobel Peace Prize if he [brings] peace to the Middle East,” Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R., Ind.) told the Washington Reporter.
President Trump’s second term hit its first 100 days mark on Tuesday.
Several foreign leaders reflected on the president’s second first 100 days and gave rave reviews.
Saul Anuzis, the President of the International Institute, told the Reporter that Trump’s foreign policy, while unconventional, is “exactly what the world needs right now.”
President Donald Trump “can win a Nobel Peace Prize if he [brings] peace to the Middle East,” Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R., Ind.) told the Washington Reporter in an interview in advance of Trump’s second first 100 days in the White House.
Stutzman joined with congressional Republicans including Rep. Claudia Tenney (R., N.Y.) in believing that Trump should likely earn the prestigious award. On a recent trip to Syria to meet with the new president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Stutzman came face-to-face with Trump’s legacy in the Middle East.
“As I was driving through Damascus, there were signs that said ‘Make Syria Great Again,’ because [Trump] didn’t bomb Idlib even though he was being encouraged to,” Stutzman said. There is an “incredible opportunity for peace in the Middle East, now that the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad is gone — without a bullet being fired,” he added.
And despite the “checkered past” of President Al-Sharaa, Stutzman noted that Syria’s new leader “was open to the Abraham Accords,” one of the signature accomplishments of Trump’s first term.
“Trump envisioned and led the Abraham Accords. They wouldn’t have happened without him,” Bonnie Glick, a former senior Trump national security official, told the Reporter. “No other leader ever had the ability to think so broadly and boldly.”
“And he set a new land speed record for making deals. In the last quarter of his first term he signed four Middle East peace agreements. Prior to that there had been only two over more than 40 years. Watching what he does this time around the world and how he expands his diplomatic efforts may well be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize,” Glick continued.
The opportunity is there to remake the Middle East in part because of how the Ukrainians have sapped Russia’s forces in the yearslong war.
SCOOP: Freshman GOP Class President recaps Trump's 100 days
by Matthew Foldi
THE LOWDOWN:
House Republican freshman class president Rep. Brandon Gill (R., Texas) shared his thoughts with the Washington Reporter on the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Gill said he wants House Republicans to “act with urgency to make President Trump’s border policies permanent.”
Gill introduced the REMAIN in Mexico Act in order to codify one of President Trump’s most effective border security policies and has been a strong advocate for advancing the president’s plan for one big, beautiful reconciliation bill.
Gill noted that Trump’s America First policies are already yielding results for both Texas and his own 26th District.
House Republican freshman class president Rep. Brandon Gill (R., Texas) exclusively shared his thoughts with the Washington Reporter on the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Gill said he wants House Republicans to “act with urgency to make President Trump’s border policies permanent.”
“The future of Texas, and America, depends on it,” Gill said. “President Trump has done more for Americans in his first 100 days in office than Joe Biden ever did in four years.”
“He is unequivocally the greatest president of my lifetime, restoring common sense putting American citizens first.,” he continued.
While Gill has only been in office for a few months, he’s taken the legislative lead on codifying several of Trump’s executive orders. Most prominently, Gill introduced the REMAIN in Mexico Act in order to codify one of President Trump’s most effective border security policies and has been a strong advocate for advancing the president’s plan for one big, beautiful reconciliation bill.
EXCLUSIVE: Tulsi Gabbard adds counter narcotics to counterterrorism center, announces leads on over 1,000 illegal immigrants tied to ISIS and gangs
by Matthew Foldi
THE LOWDOWN:
In advance of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard is restructuring the ODNI’s National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) to “focus intelligence and vetting resources against these terrorists who traffic deadly narcotics into the country.”
Gabbard’s office has also tracked over 1,000 individuals tied to either ISIS terrorists or to transnational illegal gangs, and has referred them to law enforcement agencies for arrest and deportation.
During her annual threat assessment (ATA), Gabbard cautioned that cartels and gangs utilizing America’s southern border are the most immediate and direct threat to America’s security.
The Trump administration has seen a record decline in illegal border crossings during its first 100 days already.
In advance of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard is restructuring the ODNI’s National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) to “focus intelligence and vetting resources against these terrorists who traffic deadly narcotics into the country,” the Washington Reporter can exclusively report.
Gabbard’s office has also tracked over 1,000 individuals tied to either ISIS terrorists or to transnational illegal gangs, and has referred them to law enforcement agencies for arrest and deportation.
Gabbard’s leadership is already yielding results and praise from Congress, and they follow Trump’s designation of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. An agency source told the Reporter that under Gabbard the “NCTC worked across the interagency to track down the location of more than 400 illegal immigrants who used an ISIS network to enter our country, so they can be deported immediately.”
The source added that NCTC also “identified and provided leads [to state, local, and federal law enforcement] on approximately 750 individuals in the United States with ties to MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and the Sinaloa Cartel as a part of NCTC’s integrated screening and vetting process.”
In addition to Gabbard’s latest moves, the DNI has also prioritized recognized cartels and transnational gangs as a top national security threat, and streamlined her own operations to ensure proper vetting at the border — putting her squarely in line with the Trump White House’s pro-border security policies.
During her annual threat assessment (ATA), Gabbard cautioned that cartels and gangs utilizing America’s southern border are the most immediate and direct threat to America’s security.
These moves from ODNI showcase a continued prioritization of Trump’s efforts to secure America’s border and to keep Americans safe and were immediately hailed by lawmakers in remarks to the Reporter.
EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers blast "fuelers of hate" behind latest university BDS proposal
by Matthew Foldi
THE LOWDOWN:
Students at the University of Nebraska are preparing to introduce a resolution “to tell our universities to STOP funding genocide” that they falsely accuse Israel of committing in Gaza.
Top lawmakers in Congress told the Washington Reporter that the demands may threaten funds to the public school.
In response to the proposed resolution to boycott Israel, Rep. Randy Fine (R., Fla.) pointed to legislation he sponsored in the Florida legislature that “said that if you boycott Israel, we will boycott you.”
Top lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce blasted the BDS proponents as “fuelers of hate.”
Students at the University of Nebraska are preparing to introduce a resolution “to tell our universities to STOP funding genocide” that they falsely accuse Israel of committing in Gaza.
Top lawmakers in Congress told the Washington Reporter that the demands may threaten funds to the public school.
In response to the proposed resolution to boycott Israel, Rep. Randy Fine (R., Fla.) pointed to legislation he sponsored in the Florida legislature that “said that if you boycott Israel, we will boycott you.”
“You can’t do business in Florida if you boycott Israel,” Fine said.
K-STREET, 10,000 FEET:
Telecoms giants take contrasting approaches to Trump fair trade policies
by the Washington Reporter
THE LOWDOWN:
Two of the largest telecommunications companies in America, Charter Communications and AT&T, announced very different approaches to the fair trade policies coming out of the West Wing.
During AT&T’s earnings call, company leadership framed the Trump administration’s trade policies as creating “less visibility” and made a warning that the tariffs leveling the global economic playing field for America “could potentially increase the cost of smartphones and other devices as well as the cost of network and technical equipment.”
AT&T leadership also announced that “unfortunately, for the customer, we're going to have to come up with some new ways for them to figure out how to digest that increase in pricing.”
Conversely, Charter has taken a pro-America approach to the economic policies coming from the White House. CEO Chris Winfrey has emphasized the company’s completely U.S.-based workforce as well as the company’s commitment to buy American when possible at competitive prices.
The Trump administration’s trade policies have made a lot of news of late, and different businesses are rolling with the changes in different ways in their sectors. Telecommunications is one of these major sectors, and two of the largest companies in America, Charter Communications and AT&T, announced very different approaches to the fair trade policies coming out of the West Wing.
During AT&T’s earnings call, CEO John Stankey framed the Trump administration’s trade policies as creating “less visibility” while lauding the administration’s “goal of creating more equitable trade and improve domestic manufacturing capabilities.” Stankey also made a warning that the tariffs leveling the global economic playing field for America “could potentially increase the cost of smartphones and other devices as well as the cost of network and technical equipment.”
Later on the call, Stankey praised FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, saying the company appreciates “Chairman Carr and the FCC for their leadership to advance the tech transition and update requirements to better reflect today’s technology and competitive marketplace.”
Continuing in that spirit, AT&T leadership suggested in the earnings call that “unfortunately, for the customer, we're going to have to come up with some new ways for them to figure out how to digest that increase in pricing” — corporate-speak for passing the costs along to customers while blaming economic policies that benefit American consumers.
Conversely, Charter has taken a pro-America approach to the economic policies coming from the White House. CEO Chris Winfrey has emphasized the company’s completely U.S.-based workforce as well as the company’s commitment to buy American when possible at competitive prices.
Winfrey also recognized President Donald Trump’s leadership as an “important opportunity” to get America a fair shake on the international trade stage.
OPINIONATED
Op-Ed: Rep. August Pfluger: The RSC provided a blueprint to reality for President Trump's first 100 days
by Rep. August Pfluger
America is witnessing the dawn of a conservative renaissance that will reshape our nation for generations to come thanks to President Donald Trump's triumphant first 100 days in office. At the heart of this historic moment stands the Republican Study Committee (RSC) — Congress's conservative conscience and policy engine — which is working tirelessly to transform bold executive vision into lasting legislative reality.
For over five decades, the RSC has served as the guardian of conservative principles in the House of Representatives. What began as a small caucus has turned into an unprecedented force of 189 members — over 85 percent of the House Republican Conference. This record-breaking membership has restored the committee as the premiere powerhouse for enacting conservative change, perfectly positioned to maximize our Republican trifecta and deliver transformative results for the American people.
Today, we stand at an extraordinary moment in history. With President Trump in the White House and Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, conservatives have been entrusted with a mandate that comes perhaps once in a generation. The American people have spoken clearly: they want transformative change that restores American greatness, secures our borders, unleashes our economic potential, and reestablishes our standing on the world stage.
In these crucial first 100 days, the RSC has mobilized immediately to support and amplify President Trump's America First agenda. Our committee serves as both shield and sword — reinforcing the administration's bold executive actions while advancing legislation that will cement these victories into permanent law. In fact, we're approaching 100 RSC Member bills aimed specifically at codifying the President's executive orders — 100 days, 100 bills, 100 years of lasting impact.
Op-Ed: Rep. Andy Barr: President Trump's first 100 days are 100 days of American strength
by Rep. Andy Barr
One hundred days ago, President Donald J. Trump returned to the White House with a clear mandate from the American people: restore American greatness, secure our borders, unleash our economy, defend our families, and stand unapologetically for our national values.
Today, I am proud to say: Promises made, promises kept.
President Trump has delivered the most secure border in American history. In just 100 days, illegal crossings have plummeted by 99.99 percent, daily encounters have dropped by 93 percent, and America’s border patrol once again has full control of our sovereign border. Thanks to tough policies like reinstating Remain in Mexico, ending catch and release, and Operation Tidal Wave, the days of cartels and criminals exploiting our southern border are over. The Biden-era chaos is being replaced with strength, order, and the rule of law.
President Trump launched the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, arresting over 151,000 illegal aliens and deporting more than 135,000 — including dangerous gang members from MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. He restored justice by signing the Laken Riley Act into law, honoring victims of migrant crime and ensuring no American life is taken without consequence.
But President Trump’s success doesn’t stop at the border. He has unleashed an American manufacturing boom, attracting $7 trillion in private investment and bringing thousands of factories — and millions of jobs — back home. Tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada have protected American workers, while new energy policies have restored our energy dominance. Gas prices are down, inflation is cooling, and families are finally catching a break after years of crushing costs under Biden.
Op-Ed: Rep. Ben Cline: Trump's first 100 days are a new era of American renewal
by Rep. Ben Cline
In just 100 days, President Donald Trump has reignited a movement and reset the trajectory of the United States. He is a leader who is doing exactly what he promised on the campaign trail, and the early results are turning the country in the right direction at last.
The contrast with the prior administration could not be sharper — and nowhere is that clearer than in immigration policy. During the same timeframe in 2024 under Joe Biden, more than 184,000 individuals who crossed the border illegally were released into the U.S. under the controversial “catch and release” policy.
This year, under Trump, that number has dropped to just nine.
Not nine thousand — nine total.
A stunning reduction of more than 99.99 percent.
It’s a clear signal: the era of open borders and unchecked entry is over. America is reclaiming its sovereignty, and the results speak for themselves.
Yet, if you rely on legacy media, you might not have heard much about this. Instead, they focus on fringe narratives and attempt to sell the idea that Trump voters are having buyer’s remorse. But the data doesn’t lie. According to CNN’s own polling analyst Harry Enten, only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice — a figure mirrored among Kamala Harris voters. In other words, the electorate that brought Trump back to the White House is standing firm, and for good reason.
Op-Ed: Rep. Mark Harris: Trump's new battle plan is boldly reshaping Washington
by Rep. Mark Harris
While his tactics and style may seem unconventional to some, Donald Trump is the first modern president to successfully take on Washington — just as he promised.
For decades, the Left has been operating from a radical progressive playbook that seeks to undermine our traditional American values. The Left launched guerrilla warfare attacks to open our borders, undermine parents, weaponize the government against constitutional rights and conservative institutions, and destroy the pillars of our economy. Meanwhile, old school Republicans have too often fumbled in response by using conventional battle plans.
I am a traditional guy who likes to play by the rules, but playing nice with Democrats has only left our government in disarray and our culture in shambles. We have long needed a new leader who is willing to take risks and disrupt the status quo.
From the moment he was sworn into office, President Trump launched a sweeping assault on government waste, fraud, and abuse. For the past 100 days, he has made it clear: doing government differently is the only way to tame the Beltway beast.
For decades, swamp-infested bureaucrats in the federal government mismanaged Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars and dodged agency audits. Voters demanded accountability by electing President Trump and a Republican Congress — and the Trump administration is delivering.
To fulfill his promise of shrinking government and draining the swamp, President Trump — alongside Elon Musk — launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While many Republicans have campaigned on limited government, few have taken the bull by the horns like President Trump. Immediately, DOGE uncovered a stunning list of career bureaucrats’ backward spending priorities.
