U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin Delivers Democratic Response to President Trump’s Address
On Tuesday night, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan delivered the Democratic response to President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. Speaking from Wyandotte, Michigan, a city located about 15 miles south of Detroit, Slotkin criticized President Trump’s economic plans, accusing him of seeking to provide an unprecedented financial giveaway to his billionaire friends. She emphasized that these plans would come at a cost to ordinary Americans, impacting various aspects of their lives. Slotkin’s remarks were concise, lasting approximately 10 minutes, following President Trump’s speech, which was notably the longest in decades.
Who is Senator Elissa Slotkin?
Elissa Slotkin, 48, is a former CIA officer with a distinguished career in national security. She served in various roles at the Pentagon and in both the Bush and Obama administrations, often touting her ability to work across the aisle as a moderate Democrat. During her time with the CIA, she completed three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military. In the Obama administration, she briefed the former president on some of the most sensitive national security issues and later served as the assistant secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs at the Pentagon.
Slotkin’s Bipartisan Approach and Political Career
Slotkin was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and was reelected in both 2020 and 2022. She is known for her commitment to a bipartisan approach in governance, a philosophy she attributes to her upbringing in a household with a Republican father and a Democrat mother. This background has shaped her belief in the importance of bipartisan legislation. Slotkin has expressed her discomfort with extreme partisanship, emphasizing that national security issues, in particular, require cooperation across party lines.
Slotkin’s Senate Bid and Victories
Following long-time Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow’s announcement that she would not seek reelection, Slotkin quickly announced her bid for the seat, becoming the first Democratic candidate in the race. In the August 2024 primary, she maintained a strong lead against actor Hill Harper. The general election saw a closely watched contest between Slotkin and Republican Mike Rogers, with Slotkin ultimately winning narrowly. This victory ensured continued Democratic control of Michigan’s two U.S. Senate seats. Slotkin’s success is notable, as she was one of four Democrats to win a Senate race in a state where President Trump had previously triumphed.
Slotkin’s Senate Committee Assignments and Policy Focus
Upon taking office, Slotkin received four committee assignments: Armed Services, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Agriculture, and Veterans’ Affairs. These roles align with her background in national security and her commitment to addressing key policy areas. Prior to her Senate victory, Slotkin highlighted the military and economic threats posed by China as a primary focus. She emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to counter China’s influence on global supply chains and economic security, while also ensuring U.S. military preparedness.
Slotkin’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Slotkin has underscored the importance of thoughtful, bipartisan strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by China, including their dominance in supply chains and investments in critical sectors like farmland and manufacturing. Her focus on both military preparedness and economic security reflects her comprehensive approach to national and global issues. As she settles into her new role in the Senate, Slotkin’s unique blend of national security expertise and commitment to bipartisan cooperation positions her to play a significant role in shaping the future of U.S. policy.
