Elissa Slotkin, Michigan’s newly elected senator and former CIA analyst, is set to deliver the Democratic Party’s response to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Slotkin, 48, secured a competitive Senate seat in November and now has the opportunity to present the Democratic perspective on national issues.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Slotkin will “offer a bold vision of hope, unity, and a brighter future for everyone, not just the wealthy few at the top.” Slotkin expressed her eagerness to speak directly to the American people, emphasizing the importance of addressing both economic and national security to improve lives across the country.
Democratic Lawmakers Boycott Trump’s Address
Several Democratic lawmakers have chosen to boycott President Trump’s address. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a senior Democrat, will not attend. Similarly, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon plans to host an online town hall during the speech. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico also announced his decision to skip the event, citing concerns over the administration’s actions. Additionally, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Virginia Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer have stated they will not attend.
Some Democrats are considering walking out during specific parts of the speech, especially if topics like transgender children are addressed. Others plan subtle demonstrations, such as wearing coordinated colors like pink or black, or sitting silently without applauding.
Guests Reflect Administration’s Policies
The guest list for the address reflects the administration’s stance on various issues. First Lady Melania Trump will host Allyson and Lauren Phillips, mother and sister of Laken Riley, a college student allegedly murdered by a Venezuelan migrant. Alexis Nungaray, whose 12-year-old daughter was killed by undocumented immigrants last June, will also be present.
To underscore the administration’s position on transgender issues, guests include Payton McNabb, a high school volleyball player who claims to have sustained a concussion from a transgender athlete, and January Littlejohn, a parent who sued a school board over gender identity transitions. Right-wing commentators Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh, along with activist Riley Gaines, who opposes transgender participation in women’s sports, are also invited.
Notably, Elon Musk, leader of the “Department of Government Efficiency,” will attend. Musk symbolizes the administration’s aggressive strategy to reduce the federal workforce, a move that could impact hundreds of thousands of federal jobs nationwide.
Theme of Trump’s Address: “Renewal of the American Dream”
The White House announced that the theme of President Trump’s address will be the “renewal of the American dream.” House Speaker Mike Johnson formally invited the President to share his “America First vision for our legislative future.” Stephen Miller, the White House’s deputy chief of staff, stated that the address is an opportunity for President Trump to highlight recent achievements and outline future goals.
Slotkin’s Background and Focus
Senator Elissa Slotkin has dedicated her career to public service. As a former CIA analyst, she served three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military. Slotkin also held national security roles at the Pentagon and White House under Presidents Bush and Obama. In 2018, she ran for Congress, flipping a long-time Republican-held seat, and was re-elected in 2020 and 2022. In November 2024, Slotkin was elected to serve Michigan in the U.S. Senate, succeeding Debbie Stabenow.
In her response to President Trump’s address, Slotkin is expected to focus on economic security, national security, and policies that aim to improve the lives of all Americans, not just the affluent. Her speech will offer a contrasting vision to the administration’s policies, emphasizing unity and a brighter future for everyone.
Democratic Strategies During the Address
Democratic leaders have encouraged lawmakers to bring guests affected by the administration’s policies, such as those harmed by threats to Medicare and SNAP, or veterans impacted by recent federal job cuts. This strategy aims to highlight the real-life consequences of the administration’s actions during the address.
While some Democrats plan to boycott the speech, others intend to attend but engage in silent protest. The use of coordinated attire, such as pink to symbolize support for women’s and family rights, or black to represent the somber political climate, serves as a visual statement of dissent.
Public and Political Reactions
The President’s address comes amid global turmoil over Ukraine and trade wars. His administration has enacted steep tariffs, stoking inflation concerns, and initiated massive federal workforce reductions. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s approval rating below 40% on many issues but at 49% for his immigration policy.
Protests against Trump’s actions are scheduled nationwide, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his policies. The administration faces legal and administrative challenges, including controversial firings and changes to federal aid and immigration policies. Senate Democrats have sharply criticized Trump, expecting misinformation in his address while planning symbolic and actual actions in protest.
Conclusion
As President Trump prepares to address Congress, the nation watches closely. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s Democratic rebuttal offers an alternative vision, emphasizing unity and policies aimed at benefiting all Americans. The contrasting approaches underscore the deep political divisions and the ongoing debate about the nation’s future direction.
