The early weeks of President Trump’s new administration have seen “reckless” approaches to foreign policy and the economy, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin cautioned.
Slotkin’s official Democratic Party answer to Mr. Trump’s nearly two-hour, frequently campaign-style speech to Congress Tuesday night lasted just ten minutes.
When Slotkin responded to Trump’s address, what did she say?
“America wants change, but there’s a responsible way to make change and a reckless way,” Slotkin stated.
Slotkin cited Elon Musk, who is arguably the most well-known member of Mr. Trump’s staff. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a newly renamed agency charged with drastically reducing the size of the federal government, the president praised the richest person in the world.
Slotkin reacted to Musk’s recent remark that the widely-liked program was a “Ponzi scheme” by saying, “He may very well come after your Social Security to pay for his plan.”
Slotkin stated that the president need to concentrate on lowering “the price of things,” including housing, groceries, and medical care.
“The president spoke extensively about the economy, but it’s crucial to pay attention to the details. Do Americans succeed as a result of his plans? Slotkin said, “Not even close,” before retelling a common accusation regarding Trump’s connections to Musk and other extremely rich backers. “President Trump is attempting to give his billionaire buddies an extraordinary gift. He is searching for trillions of dollars to give to America’s wealthiest people.
She charged that President Trump had imposed tariffs that would eventually result in higher costs for Americans.
“His tariffs on allies like Canada will raise prices on energy, lumber, and cars and start a trade war that will hurt manufacturing and farmers,” added Slotkin. “Your premiums and prescriptions will cost more because the math on his proposals doesn’t work without going after your healthcare.”
Trump stated on Tuesday that “tariffs are about protecting the soul of our country, not just about protecting American jobs.”
Former CIA officer Slotkin also criticized Mr. Trump’s foreign policy strategy, focusing on the televised dispute between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week.
Peace through strength is a phrase that President Trump frequently uses. He actually took that line from Ronald Reagan. Slotkin implied that Reagan would be more supportive of an enemy to Russia than Mr. Trump has been to Ukraine, saying, “But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling in his grave.”
During his speech, Mr. Trump declared that he is “working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine.”
Elissa Slotkin is who?
In November, Slotkin was elected to the Senate. Since 2019, she has served as Michigan’s representative in the House.
During the Bush and Obama administrations, the 48-year-old held positions related to national security.
For what reason did the Democrats select Slotkin to respond?
In her remarks, Slotkin pointed out that she and Mr. Trump both prevailed in the election held in Michigan in November.
She was known for working across party lines while in the House, and she made a campaign pledge to carry on her bipartisan work in the Senate.
Citing her bipartisan credentials, Slotkin acknowledged that her upbringing had “shared values” that “were bigger than any one party.”
In his plea to Americans not to “tune out,” Slotkin stated, “America needs you more than ever.”
Voters must organize, attend town halls, and take action in order to hold elected people responsible, she said.
According to Slotkin, this is not “the first time we’ve experienced significant and tumultuous change as a country.” The only reason the country has survived those times, Slotkin went on, is because of “engaged citizens and principled leaders.”
This article was reported in part by Kaia Hubbard.
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