Washington, D.C. (March 5, 2025) – In response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan sharply criticized the president’s economic and foreign policies. The newly sworn-in senator, delivering her official retort to Trump’s remarks, accused the president of prioritizing the interests of the wealthiest Americans at the expense of ordinary citizens, particularly in light of his trade war with nations like China, Canada, and Mexico.
Slotkin argued that under Trump’s policies, everyday Americans are facing rising costs, particularly in essential areas like food and housing, without any clear plan from the president to alleviate these burdens. “Food and housing prices are going up, not down—and he has not yet presented a plan for how he will deal with both,” Slotkin stated. She further condemned Trump’s economic approach, claiming that his tariff policies have led to increased prices on energy and cars while redistributing wealth to the richest Americans.
Turning to foreign policy, Slotkin expressed concerns over Trump’s stance on global leadership. As a child of the Cold War, she reflected on the critical decisions made during the 1980s, contrasting the leadership of President Ronald Reagan with what she described as Trump’s failure to understand America’s unique role in the world. “Under Trump, we would have lost the Cold War,” Slotkin remarked, emphasizing that Trump’s actions suggest a lack of belief in the United States’ exceptionalism. She also criticized the president for fostering closer ties with authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, while alienating traditional U.S. allies such as Canada.
In addition to her criticism of Trump, Slotkin took aim at tech mogul Elon Musk. In her speech, she questioned the ethics of Musk and his team of young executives, accusing them of exploiting personal data from U.S. citizens. “Is there anyone in America who is OK with him and his gang of 20-year-olds using their own computer servers to dig through your tax returns, your health records, and your bank accounts?” Slotkin asked, highlighting concerns about privacy and safety in the digital age. While she acknowledged the potential benefits of a more efficient federal government, she emphasized that change should not come at the cost of national security or individual privacy.
Slotkin’s response underscores the sharp divide between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration, particularly regarding economic policy, international relations, and the growing influence of tech giants. As President Trump continues to push for a second term, Slotkin’s remarks signal a strong challenge from within her party, calling for a more equitable approach to both domestic and global issues.
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