Watch Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s Powerful Democratic Response to Trump’s Congressional Address

LANSING, Mich. — Senator Elissa Slotkin, in her first term representing Michigan, criticized President Donald Trump during her response to his joint congressional address. She claimed he was increasing costs for everyday Americans while favoring wealthy friends.

Speaking from Wyandotte, Michigan, Slotkin said Trump has not provided a solid plan to tackle rising expenses. She noted that new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, enforced just that day, would likely make the situation worse.

“The national debt keeps rising instead of falling,” she warned. “If things don’t change, we could be heading into a recession.”

Slotkin’s remarks followed Trump’s lengthy address, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes. In his speech, he boasted about his achievements in areas like the economy and immigration during his early weeks in office. Meanwhile, Congress, controlled by Republicans, has largely supported his agenda without much resistance.

In her roughly 10-minute rebuttal, Slotkin emphasized that change shouldn’t be chaotic or unsafe, reflecting the struggle of Democrats to present a united front against Trump’s policies. Some Democratic members even held signs with various messages during the address, and there was a tense moment when Rep. Al Green was removed for interrupting Trump.

Slotkin aimed to address economic concerns, particularly in light of Trump’s decision to enforce tariffs that could spark a trade war and impact inflation. Her focus on these issues comes from her belief that they directly affect the lives of everyday Americans.

Known for her moderate stance, Slotkin has previously pointed out the need for clearer messaging from her party. After the November election, she expressed that the Democratic Party could improve how they communicate their priorities, especially regarding economic concerns for families.

In her address, Slotkin was joined by Andrew Lennox, a Marine veteran who recently lost his job at a Veterans Affairs hospital due to budget cuts initiated by a government office led by Elon Musk. This personal connection highlights her commitment to veterans and workers in Michigan.

Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, first entered politics in 2018 by winning a competitive House seat. With her recent decision to run for the Senate, she is emerging as a key figure in the Democratic Party’s future.