In today’s political climate, it can feel like all we hear are empty words. Politicians make promises and offer feel-good sound bites, yet the American people often see little follow-through. Words matter, but actions—real, tangible results—are what truly define leadership. And that’s why Donald J. Trump is a leader who deserves our trust.
I first met President Trump in 2022 at Bedminster Golf Club, during a dinner with my friend and colleague, Rep. Jim Banks (R-In.). To be honest, I was not an immediate supporter of Donald Trump in 2016. Like many Americans, I had my doubts. But as I watched him take on the responsibility of the presidency, those doubts faded. Over time, I saw he wasn’t just making promises—he was delivering results. Whether it was revitalizing the economy, securing our borders, or making America stronger on the global stage, President Trump’s actions spoke louder than any campaign slogan ever could.
At that 2022 meeting, I shared with President Trump how his time in office had shifted my perspective. His policies didn’t just resonate with me intellectually—they changed my outlook on what leadership could look like. The media often focuses on his bold personality, but there’s another side of Donald Trump that Americans don’t always see: a leader who listens, who cares deeply about the future of our country and her people, and who is unafraid to take on the hard fights.
What stood out most to me most about President Trump is his deep love for his family—a value I cherish as a mother of three. My own mother, an early Trump supporter, was the first to mention this aspect of the former president to me, often saying, “He has great kids, so he must have done something right.” And she’s right: His children are extremely important to him. When I met him, he spoke about how difficult the last eight years had been, not for himself, but for his family. The sacrifices they’ve made, the criticism they’ve endured—he felt that deeply. When I mentioned his kids, he told me, “they’ve been through a lot.” As a parent, I know the fierce love we have for our children, and hearing that from President Trump showed me a side of him that many people never get to see. It’s this kind of personal connection and commitment to those he loves that defines the heart of the man—and it’s this same heart that drives him to stand up for the American people.
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Despite facing constant attacks from all sides—political opponents, the media, and even attempts on his life—President Trump has never wavered in his dedication to our country. Who can forget the image of Trump standing tall, fist raised, after a bullet grazed his ear in the assassination attempt on July 13? That moment symbolized the strength and resilience he brings to the table. This is the same leader who helped deliver the lowest U.S. unemployment rate in a generation, who fought to bring jobs back to our shores, and who stood firm in the face of global adversity to ensure America remained a beacon of strength.
Even out of office, President Trump hasn’t stopped taking action. His visits to Georgia and North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, like his trip to East Palestine, Ohio, following the train derailment there, demonstrated his continued commitment to being a leader who shows up when Americans need him the most. And let’s not forget his personal meetings and continued conversations with the Afghanistan Gold Star families and Laken Riley’s family, who have been through unimaginable loss. Contrast this attentiveness with the Biden-Harris administration, which has been more focused on talking points than meaningful action. While they stay behind podiums, Donald Trump steps into the fray.
Now more than ever, our country is at a crossroads. We have the chance to reclaim the heart of America, and we need a leader who embodies courage, strength, and resilience. We need a leader who understands that the job isn’t about what you say, but what you do. In a world of empty promises, Donald Trump stands out because he doesn’t just talk about putting America first—he’s done it, time and time again. His record speaks for itself.
As Americans, we are desperate for a leader we can trust. We are desperate for someone whose words are backed by action. Donald J. Trump has proven to be that leader. I urge everyone to join me on November 5 in voting for Donald Trump—voting to make America great again.
Congresswoman Erin Houchin represents the Ninth Congressional District of Indiana.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
