Slotkin Slams Trump’s Foreign Policy, Claims He Would Have "Lost" the Cold War
Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat representing Michigan, delivered a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda on Tuesday, following Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. Slotkin asserted that Trump’s approach to international relations starkly contrasts with the principles that guided the United States during the Cold War, arguing that Trump’s leadership in the 1980s would have resulted in a disastrous outcome for the nation.
Slotkin’s remarks came after Trump delivered a speech that echoed the themes of a traditional State of the Union address, declaring that "America is back" and that the "American dream is surging." While Trump emphasized his commitment to achieving peace through strength, a concept often associated with former President Ronald Reagan, Slotkin suggested that Trump’s recent actions, particularly his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, would have left Reagan "rolling in his grave."
"We all want an end to the war in Ukraine, but Reagan understood that true strength required America to combine our military and economic might with moral clarity," Slotkin stated, highlighting the importance of a cohesive and principled approach to foreign policy. "As a Cold War kid, I’m thankful it was Reagan and not Trump in office in the 1980s. Trump would have lost us the Cold War."
Slotkin focused specifically on Trump’s tense exchange with Zelenskyy, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly questioned Zelenskyy’s gratitude towards the United States and suggested that diplomacy was the most effective path to ending the conflict. These interactions reportedly stalled peace negotiations and put a hold on a potential deal that would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for American support.
Despite the reported tensions, Trump claimed in his address to Congress that Ukraine was prepared to resume peace negotiations and sign the minerals agreement. However, Slotkin remained critical, arguing that Trump’s handling of the situation demonstrated a lack of understanding of the complexities of international relations and the importance of maintaining strong alliances.
Beyond foreign policy, Slotkin also criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government workforce. She highlighted the potential consequences of these cuts, particularly in areas critical to national security and public safety.
"The mindless firing of people who work to protect our nuclear weapons, keep our planes from crashing, and conduct the research that finds the cure for cancer — only to re-hire them two days later? No CEO in America could do that without being summarily fired," Slotkin argued, questioning the rationale behind the administration’s policies.
The Trump administration had previously issued a memo instructing federal agencies to develop plans for significant workforce reductions and reorganization. Slotkin characterized these efforts as reckless and potentially damaging to the effectiveness of the government.
Despite her criticisms, Slotkin did find common ground with Trump on the issue of immigration. While acknowledging the need for border security, Slotkin emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and humane approach to immigration reform.
"Every country deserves to know who and what is coming across its border. Period," Slotkin said. "Democrats and Republicans should all be for that."
Trump, in his address, stated that he had sent Congress a funding request outlining his plan to eliminate threats and implement the "largest deportation operation in American history." He urged Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass the measure quickly so he could sign it into law.
Slotkin concluded her response by encouraging citizens to actively participate in the political process and hold their elected officials accountable.
"Hold your elected officials, including me, accountable," Slotkin urged. "Watch how they’re voting. Go to town halls and demand they take action."
Slotkin emphasized that holding elected officials accountable is a fundamental aspect of American democracy, as "American as apple pie."
In summary, Senator Slotkin’s response to Trump’s address was a multifaceted critique of his policies, particularly in the realm of foreign affairs. She argued that Trump’s approach lacked the strategic vision and moral clarity necessary to navigate complex international challenges and expressed concern about the potential consequences of his administration’s actions. While finding common ground on the issue of border security, Slotkin remained critical of Trump’s overall agenda and urged citizens to actively engage in the political process to ensure accountability from their elected officials. Her comments highlight the deep divisions that continue to shape American politics and the ongoing debate over the country’s role in the world.
