Trump touts his first year as 'the best ever for a president' during NRCC fundraising speech

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump praised the success of his first year in office during his second term while delivering remarks at the annual National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner at Union Station on Wednesday, March 25, evening.

His remarks at Union Station came as the conflict in the Middle East continued to escalate, while lawmakers in the US scrambled to resolve the partial government shutdown ahead of a planned two-week recess, with both Democrats and Republicans raising objections to a proposed compromise.

Trump comments on upcoming midterms and first-year record

During his remarks, Trump expressed confidence about the upcoming midterm elections, stating, “But with your help this November, we'll defeat the radical left Democrats and we'll win a midterm victory like our country has never seen.”

He acknowledged the historical trend of the president’s party underperforming in midterms, noting, “I don't know what it is, but a president who wins Republican or Democrat almost always does poorly in the midterms.”

Despite this trend, Trump asserted that his administration’s record sets it apart, “There are those that say this has been the first… the best first year ever for a president. And I agree with them. I must tell you, I agree with them 100 %.” He further added, “We did a lot. We settled eight wars. People sort of forget. We are winning another one.” 

Expanding on electoral prospects, Trump said, “We have some very interesting things in store and I think we're gonna have a great election despite the fact… whoever wins the presidency doesn’t win the midterms.” 

He emphasized that historically, success in midterms has been rare for sitting presidents, adding, “In 50 years is 2 and in 100 years is 4. We are gonna do it. Nobody has done more than we have in this short period of time.”

Trump also criticized Democrats on voter-related issues, stating, “The Democrats would say if you ask them questions it’s racism. They always use racism whenever you ask them a question… Like voter ID. It’s racist. Do they ever have any answer other than racism. It’s unbelievable. It’s voter ID it’s important for our country and proof of citizenship is important for our country.”

GOP and Democrats spar over DHS funding

On Capitol Hill, negotiations to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security remained stalled. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the latest Democratic counteroffer as “not even close to being real,” stating that Democrats are “asking for things that have already been turned down” and are “going in circles.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats had presented a “reasonable, good-faith proposal” that includes reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the central issue in the negotiations.

Republicans indicated willingness to exclude funding for ICE’s deportation arm, but Democrats rejected the proposal as insufficient.

A test vote to advance the funding bill failed on Wednesday, with the Senate voting 54-46, falling short of the 60 votes required. Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to support advancing the measure. The vote marked the sixth attempt to move the legislation forward and the first since Republicans introduced their latest offer.

According to a Democratic source, the party’s proposal included requirements for immigration officers to wear identification and body cameras, enhanced training standards, and restrictions on enforcement in sensitive locations.

The shutdown’s impact has become increasingly visible. The top official at the Transportation Security Administration informed House lawmakers that staffing shortages have resulted in the “highest wait times in TSA history,” with more than 480 officers leaving since the shutdown began.