Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a moderate Democrat and former CIA analyst, delivered the Democratic rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. In her response, Slotkin criticized Trump’s economic policies, immigration stance, and foreign policy approach, while positioning the Democratic Party as a more responsible and moderate alternative.
Slotkin, who was elected to the Senate from Michigan in 2024, invoked bipartisan values and referenced former Republican President Ronald Reagan to highlight the differences between past conservative principles and Trump’s policies.
Also Read: Trump Administration Announces Major Cuts to USAID Workforce
Economic Concerns and Criticism of Trump’s Policies
Focusing on the economy, Slotkin warned that President Trump’s policies risk leading the US into a recession. She criticized the rising costs of living, citing increased grocery and housing prices as a sign of the administration’s failure to provide economic relief for Americans.
“If he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession,” Slotkin cautioned, arguing that Trump’s economic plans have done little to help everyday Americans get ahead. She acknowledged that Democrats lost voter support by not addressing economic concerns effectively, but pledged to refocus her party’s efforts on alleviating financial burdens.
Immigration and Government Efficiency
Slotkin also tackled immigration, an area where Republicans have consistently polled better than Democrats. She accused Trump’s administration of lacking empathy for undocumented immigrants and failing to address the root causes of the issue.
“The border without actually fixing our broken immigration system is dealing with the symptom, not the disease. America is a nation of immigrants,” Slotkin said, calling for comprehensive immigration reform.
She also criticized the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk, arguing that while reform is necessary, it should not come at the expense of public safety or government stability.
Foreign Policy and Reagan Comparison
Slotkin was especially critical of Trump’s foreign policy, singling out his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which led to a pause in US aid to Ukraine. She compared Trump’s approach to that of former President Ronald Reagan, arguing that Reagan understood the importance of combining military strength with moral clarity.
“After the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling over in his grave,” Slotkin said, emphasizing that Trump’s foreign policy has alienated US allies and emboldened dictators like Vladimir Putin.
Slotkin concluded her critique by stating that Trump’s foreign policy undermines American strength and values on the global stage.
Slotkin’s Background and Democrats’ Strategy Moving Forward
Tuesday’s address introduced many Americans to Slotkin, who has an extensive background in national security, including serving three tours in Iraq and holding positions under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She was first elected to Congress in 2018, flipping a Republican-held House seat before winning her Senate race in 2024. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer praised her as a “rising star” when selecting her to deliver the Democratic response.
Slotkin’s measured tone contrasted with more aggressive Democrats who heckled Trump during his speech. Her selection to deliver the rebuttal signals a strategic effort by the Democratic leadership to appeal to moderate voters who supported Trump in the past.
Closing her remarks, Slotkin urged Americans to reconsider the Democratic Party and trust them to lead responsibly.
“I promise that I, and my fellow Democrats, will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve,” she concluded.
