Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy after he delivered a speech to Congress on March 5, 2025. In her response, Slotkin claimed that if Trump had been president during the Cold War, the United States would have lost.
Trump’s address, which resembled a State of the Union speech, was filled with bold claims. He declared that "America is back" and that the "American dream is surging." However, Slotkin, who was chosen to provide the official Democratic response, argued that Trump’s approach lacks the necessary combination of military and economic strength with moral clarity that former President Ronald Reagan understood during his time.
Slotkin expressed gratitude that Reagan, not Trump, was in charge during the 1980s. She emphasized that true strength is essential for addressing conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her comments came in light of a tense exchange between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they debated the best way to achieve peace in Ukraine.
During his speech, Trump claimed that Ukraine was ready to resume peace negotiations and was open to signing a minerals agreement with the U.S. This deal would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for support. However, Slotkin pointed out that the recent interactions between Trump and Zelenskyy were troubling and might have stalled peace efforts.
Slotkin also took issue with the Trump administration’s plans to reduce the federal workforce, arguing that the firing of key personnel who protect critical national security interests is reckless. She stated that no business leader could act in such a manner without facing consequences.
While Slotkin acknowledged the importance of border security, she encouraged bipartisan cooperation on immigration issues. Trump, in his address, had touted his administration’s immigration crackdown as the most extensive in U.S. history. Slotkin asserted that all parties should agree on the need to know who is entering the country.
In closing, Slotkin urged citizens to stay engaged and hold their elected officials accountable. She believes that active participation in democracy is vital for the nation’s future.