Democrats Caution of Eroding US Alliances and Economic Risks Amid Trade Conflict
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Synopsis
In response to the President's address, Democrats express concerns over the deterioration of US alliances and the potential economic fallout from ongoing trade conflicts, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and leadership.
Key Takeaways
- US alliances are weakening due to current policies.
- Trade conflicts pose risks to economic stability.
- International cooperation is essential for tackling global issues.
- Criticism of Trump's treatment of allies, especially Ukraine.
- Concerns about the impact of proposed tax cuts on the general population.
New York, March 5 (NationPress) In the traditional response to the President's address to Congress, the Democrats have expressed concern that US alliances are deteriorating, while the ongoing trade conflict poses a significant threat to the economy.
Senator Elissa Slotkin, representing the Democratic Party in a nationally televised address following President Donald Trump's speech to Congress, stated, "Today's world is profoundly interconnected. Issues like migration, cyber threats, artificial intelligence, environmental degradation, and terrorism cannot be tackled by one nation alone. We must have allies everywhere - our security relies on it."
Referencing former Republican President Ronald Reagan, she remarked, "[Ronald] Reagan recognized that genuine strength required the United States to pair our military and economic power with moral integrity."
However, she criticized Trump's treatment of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky during a recent meeting at the Oval Office, saying, "Reagan must be turning in his grave."
As someone who grew up during the Cold War, she noted, "I'm grateful Reagan was in office during the 1980s, not Trump. Trump would have caused us to lose the Cold War," accusing him of "getting too close" to Russia's President Vladimir Putin while "betraying our allies like Canada."
On a global scale, she expressed that, despite the US's imperfections, "I would choose American leadership over Chinese or Russian leadership any day."
Following the President's Congressional address, the opposing party delivers its rebuttal, typically outside the House of Representatives and broadcasted nationwide.
A former CIA official, Slotkin was elected senator from Michigan last November, a state that Trump won during the presidential election.
She represents the centrist faction within the Democratic Party, which is gaining confidence after last year's setbacks.
Regarding Trump's economic strategies, she cautioned that they might precipitate a recession and burden citizens heavily.
"If he isn't cautious, he could lead us straight into a recession," she warned.
She asserted that his trade conflict would adversely affect manufacturers and farmers, resulting in higher costs for everyone.
Slotkin indicated that Trump's tax cuts would primarily favor his billionaire allies, with the general populace ultimately footing the bill.
She also criticized Elon Musk, the billionaire leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), for slashing federal spending and workforce.
Slotkin accused Musk and his "team of young adults" of accessing people's tax returns without adequate protections against cyber threats or misuse of personal information.
Under the cost-cutting measures, essential government employees responsible for nuclear security, ensuring aviation safety, and researching cancer cures were let go only to be rehired, she noted.
"No CEO in America could execute such actions without facing immediate termination," she concluded.
