LANSING, Mich. — In a pointed response to President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress, first-term Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized the president for exacerbating economic challenges while proposing what she termed an “unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends.” Slotkin's remarks came during the Democratic rebuttal to Trump's first joint congressional address of his second term, delivered on Tuesday night.
Slotkin, who has only recently taken office after winning a competitive open seat in Michigan, emphasized that Trump has failed to present a credible plan to tackle the rising costs of living for American families. She expressed concern that the new tariffs, which took effect on Tuesday, would only complicate the existing financial strain on everyday Americans.
“For those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down,” Slotkin warned. “If he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession.” The senator made her comments from Wyandotte, Michigan, a working-class community located south of Detroit, amid Trump's lengthy address, which lasted a record-breaking hour and 40 minutes.
In her rebuttal, which was significantly shorter at just over 10 minutes, Slotkin remarked, “It’s late, so I promise to be a lot shorter than what you just watched.” During his speech, Trump claimed credit for what he described as “swift and unrelenting action” in reshaping key areas of the nation's economy, immigration, and foreign policy within his initial weeks in office. However, many in Congress, including the Republican-controlled House and Senate, have shown little willingness to challenge the president’s agenda.
Slotkin's focus on economic issues came in light of Trump's recent announcement that 25% tariffs would be imposed on imports from Mexico and Canada. This move has reignited fears of a potential trade war in North America, further contributing to inflationary pressures and stalling economic growth.
Known for her moderate political stance, Slotkin has not been shy about critiquing her party’s messaging when necessary. Following the November election, she commented on the need for Democrats to clarify their priorities, stating, “We didn’t do as good a job as we could have at showing what our priorities are.” She emphasized that the party’s focus should revolve around “people’s pocketbooks and their kids,” indicating that the party's message had become muddled at the national level.
In her address, Slotkin was joined by Marine veteran Andrew Lennox, who recently lost his job at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Ann Arbor due to budget cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. This personal touch added depth to her economic arguments, illustrating the real impacts of policy decisions on individuals and families.
The 48-year-old Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, represents a new wave of leadership within the Democratic Party. She first entered politics in 2018, defeating a two-term Republican incumbent. Following redistricting, she consistently triumphed in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts, establishing herself as one of the party’s top fundraisers. In 2023, she announced her candidacy for Michigan’s open Senate seat after Senator Debbie Stabenow declared she would not seek a fifth term.
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