Elissa Slotkin criticizes Trump’s economic policies in democratic response

In a powerful rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s first joint congressional address of his second term, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin condemned his economic policies, warning that they would lead to increased costs for everyday Americans. Speaking from Wyandotte, Michigan, a working-class city south of Detroit, Slotkin framed her response as a call for responsible leadership and economic accountability.

Slotkin, a first-term senator who secured Michigan’s open Senate seat despite Trump winning the state, wasted no time in challenging the president’s economic approach. She accused him of prioritizing “an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends” at the expense of hardworking families. The senator particularly criticized the newly implemented tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, arguing that they would exacerbate inflation and stall economic growth.

“President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends,” Slotkin stated. “He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he’s going to make you pay in every part of your life.”

Trump’s speech, which was the longest congressional address in U.S. history, lasted an hour and 40 minutes and touted his administration’s efforts to reshape the economy, immigration policies, and foreign relations. Slotkin, however, challenged the effectiveness of these initiatives, asserting that the president had failed to present a viable plan to address rising costs for housing, groceries, and other essentials.

“For those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down,” she warned. “And if he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession.”

Slotkin also raised concerns about democracy itself, arguing that it is at risk when a president disregards court orders and constitutional norms. She underscored the importance of responsible governance, stating, “We can make change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy.”

Her response reflected the broader struggle within the Democratic Party to craft a unified message against Trump’s policies. During his address, Democratic lawmakers displayed mixed reactions, with some holding protest signs, others refusing to attend, and one—Texas Representative Al Green—being escorted out after interrupting the president.

As a former CIA analyst with a deep background in national security, Slotkin also took issue with Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that former President Ronald Reagan would have been appalled by the encounter. Additionally, she criticized the cost-cutting measures led by billionaire Elon Musk under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which resulted in job losses, including that of Marine veteran Andrew Lennox, Slotkin’s guest for the speech.

At 48, Slotkin is considered a rising star within the Democratic Party. Since her first election victory in 2018, she has built a reputation as a skilled fundraiser and a formidable campaigner in competitive districts. Her remarks on Tuesday night signaled that she intends to remain a vocal opponent of Trump’s policies while positioning herself as a leader in shaping the party’s future.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Slotkin’s response highlights the deep divisions in Washington and the stakes for both parties as they battle over economic policy, democratic norms, and the future direction of the country.