Freshman US Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan has been chosen to deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress. Slotkin’s rebuttal aims to highlight the Democratic Party’s focus on lowering the cost of living and protecting social programs like Social Security and Medicaid, contrasting it with Republican policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations.

At 48, Slotkin made history as the youngest Democratic woman elected to the Senate after a competitive race in November. With a background as a former CIA analyst serving under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Slotkin emphasizes a message of inclusivity and unity, inviting voters to join “team normal” and building a broad coalition of support.

Slotkin’s speech comes at a time when Democrats face challenges in pushing back against Trump’s administration, which has proposed significant cuts to the federal workforce and government agencies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer lauds Slotkin as a “rising star” in the party, praising her expertise in both economic and national security matters.

Having won a Senate seat in a state that Trump carried in the 2024 election, Slotkin is poised to address critical issues affecting the nation, promising to provide a clear and honest assessment of the country’s current situation. As anticipation builds for Trump’s address to Congress, Slotkin prepares to offer a compelling vision for a future that prioritizes improving the lives of all Americans.