LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s freshman Senator Elissa Slotkin took aim at President Donald Trump, accusing him of policies that inflate costs while prioritizing the interests of billionaires, during Tuesday night’s Democratic response to his joint congressional address marking the start of his second term.
Slotkin, who recently began her Senate term after securing a victory in Michigan despite Trump’s success in the state, criticized the president for lacking a viable strategy to combat the rising costs that burden everyday Americans. She pointed out that the introduction of new tariffs earlier that day would exacerbate the economic situation.
Addressing the nation from Wyandotte, a blue-collar community near Detroit, Slotkin responded to Trump’s historic long address to Congress. She acknowledged that change is needed in America but emphasized the importance of pursuing it in a responsible manner.
“We can implement change without losing sight of our identity as a nation and as a democracy,” Slotkin stated.
Trump’s 100-minute speech highlighted his quick actions in transforming the country’s economy, immigration, and foreign policy since assuming office. The Republican-majority House and Senate have largely supported his agenda.
In her succinct rebuttal lasting just over ten minutes, Slotkin cautioned against chaotic reforms and outlined the potential risks of Trump’s economic policies. She noted that the national debt was rising, warning of potential economic downturns.
Slotkin, drawing on her background as a former CIA analyst, referenced the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that it would have dismayed former President Ronald Reagan.
Her remarks came at a time when Democrats are searching for a unified stance against Trump. This division was visible during Trump’s address, with some Democrats holding signs, others boycotting the event, and some expressing vocal opposition.
Slotkin concentrated on economic themes following Trump’s recent announcement of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, reigniting concerns over a potential trade war that could drive inflation and hinder growth.
“President Trump is eager to deliver a massive benefit to his billionaire allies,” she claimed. “He’s determined to siphon trillions for America’s wealthiest, at the expense of everyday citizens.”
She emphasized that prices for groceries and homes are escalating without a credible strategy from the administration to manage these issues. She also cautioned that democracy itself is under threat when leaders circumvent the Constitution and court rulings.
Slotkin’s guest for Trump’s address was Andrew Lennox, a Marine veteran recently laid off from a Veterans Affairs hospital in Ann Arbor due to budget cuts overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk.
At 48, Slotkin is recognized as an emerging leader in the Democratic party. Her initial foray into politics saw her unseat a two-term Republican in 2018. Following district changes, she has continuously defended one of the nation’s most challenging House districts, building a strong profile as a fundraiser. In 2023, she announced her candidacy for the vacant Senate seat following Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s decision not to pursue re-election.