Following President Trump's address to Congress, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) delivered a sharp rebuke of his foreign policy approach, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She invoked the legacy of President Reagan, arguing that Trump's handling of the situation would have been detrimental during the Cold War era.
President Donald Trump addressed members of Congress on March 5, 2025. (Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Slotkin focused on the recent strained exchange between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. She characterized the interaction, where the U.S. leaders questioned Zelenskyy's gratitude and temporarily halted peace negotiations, as a damaging “spectacle.” This contrasted sharply with Trump's announcement during his congressional address that Ukraine was prepared to resume peace talks and finalize a mineral agreement with the United States.
The Senator, who has a background in the CIA and served in both the Bush and Obama administrations, also criticized the administration’s approach to federal workforce reductions. She questioned the logic of dismissing personnel involved in critical areas like nuclear security and cancer research, only to potentially rehire them shortly after. She likened this to actions that would lead to the dismissal of any CEO in the private sector.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, formerly a member of the House, entered the Senate in 2025. (Reuters)
Despite her criticisms, Slotkin expressed a willingness to collaborate with Republicans on immigration policy, echoing Trump's emphasis on border security. She stated that bipartisan support for border control is essential. She also encouraged Americans to actively participate in the political process, holding their elected officials accountable and demanding action on important issues.
