In a traditional response to the president’s speech, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan delivered a rebuttal, criticizing former President Donald Trump. She highlighted that Trump had fallen short of the Republican ideals set by figures like Ronald Reagan, particularly on issues affecting ordinary Americans. Slotkin attacked Trump’s economic policies, questioning if they truly benefited the average American, claiming that Trump’s plans were more about giving billionaires a tax break rather than addressing the financial concerns of everyday citizens.

She also called out Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticizing him for a heated exchange in the Oval Office, which Slotkin described as a reflection of Trump’s foreign policy. Slotkin argued that Trump’s approach was to favor dictators like Russian President Vladimir Putin while undermining relationships with traditional allies like Canada. She concluded by emphasizing that America wants change, but it must be achieved in a responsible manner rather than through reckless actions.