Trump takes victory lap with congressional Republicans at White House reception

President Donald Trump thanked congressional Republicans on Tuesday evening at a reception celebrating the administration’s achievements in its first six months.

“Thank you very much,” the president began. “This is a celebration. … We’re gathered tonight to celebrate six months of incredible achievements by one of the most successful house majorities in American history.”

Trump celebrated a trade deal with Japan, which he announced just before the event on Truth Social, passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” progress securing the border and other key wins.

This is a “great period of time for the country, and it’s a great period of time for the Republican Party. Time and time again, the House Republican majority has defied the odds to deliver win after win for the American people,” he added, referring to his reconciliation bill, the Laken Riley Act, and the HALT Fentanyl Act.

Throughout the speech, the president touted the first six months of his second term, saying “we’ve achieved more in six months than most administrations have achieved during their four years, or even eight years.” He cited lower gasoline prices, getting rid of taxes on tips, preventing war between India and Pakistan, low illegal border crossings, and “historic trade deals” with Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

In addition to Republican members of Congress, Cabinet officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, attended the reception.

Trump thanked a handful of attendees for their efforts, including McMahon, who he said is working to bring “education back to the states, where it belongs” as well as cracking down on Harvard University. After his remarks, Trump invited House Speaker Mike Johnson to say a few words.

“I just want to stay that we have been making history together,” Johnson said, noting that the American people “gave us a mandate” and “we’re delivering on it.”

“I’m so grateful, and I’m so thankful and humbled to work with this group, Mr. President,” Johnson said. “They are committed to the country as you are. You are the strong leader, the example for us. With your stamina, we know we can never sleep.

“We’ve got much more to do, much more to do, to deliver for the people. And we are going to do it. We thank you for the opportunity. Thanks for the celebration. Everybody here deserves it.”

Trump did not take questions from the press following the event.