Florida Rep. Byron Donalds discussed his priorities for the 119th Congress in a Sunday Fox News interview, emphasizing the mandate he believes President-elect Donald Trump has from his decisive election victory.
Donalds also addressed immigration policy, energy reform, and government efficiency, calling out Democratic opposition to deportations and outlining plans to cut wasteful spending.
“The president has a political mandate. He overwhelmingly won this election, sweeping battleground states and shifting nearly every state to the right,” Donalds said. “Republican senators and the American people know this, and the president’s cabinet picks are clearly focused on delivering his agenda.”
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Slams Dems ‘Fear-Mongering’ To Distract From Biden Admin Failures
Responding to Democratic governors who oppose Trump’s deportation plans, Donalds criticized their stance as disconnected from voter priorities. “These Democrat politicians have had a Marie Antoinette view of America for quite some time,” he said. “President Trump’s mandate includes enforcing immigration laws and deporting illegal immigrants, which 57% of Americans support.”
Donalds dismissed speculation about military involvement in deportations, focusing instead on existing law enforcement capabilities.
“We’ll start with criminal illegal aliens, working with local law enforcement and ICE,” he explained. “Once deportation proceedings begin, many illegal immigrants voluntarily leave to avoid being barred from reentry for a decade.”
Donalds emphasized Trump’s economic and energy policies as critical to reducing costs for Americans. “Lowering prices at the pump and in grocery stores requires advancing Trump’s energy agenda,” Donalds said. “Extending tax cuts, streamlining regulations, and achieving government efficiency are top priorities.”
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Throws Down With CNN’s Jim Acosta Over Trump’s Remarks
He also called for cutting government waste to reduce the national debt, which now exceeds $36 trillion. “It’s not a revenue problem,” he said. “Congress never authorizes waste, but there’s little oversight. Programs like Medicaid are riddled with inefficiencies. We need to return to pre-COVID spending levels and ensure government lives within its means.”
Donalds expressed optimism about cutting unnecessary spending while maintaining essential services. “There are plenty of areas where we can eliminate waste without affecting vital programs,” he said. “A thriving, efficient government is key to growing the economy and delivering for the American people.”
With a Republican-led Congress and Trump’s cabinet focused on enacting his agenda, Donalds believes significant progress can be made on immigration, the economy, and government reform. “Mission accomplished means fulfilling Trump’s mandate and bringing real change to the American people,” Donalds concluded.
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