WASHINGTON D.C February 27, 2026 – Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin released her weekly “Intel Brief” on Friday, offering an in-depth analysis of three pressing national issues: the economic impacts of recent tariffs and a landmark Supreme Court decision, the escalating situation in Mexico amid trade tensions and cartel violence, and President Donald Trump’s remarks on elections and voting during his State of the Union address.
In the nearly nine-minute video briefing, posted on X (formerly Twitter), Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, drew on her national security background to break down how these developments could affect everyday Americans. The briefing comes amid heightened political divisions, with Republicans criticizing Democrats’ responses during the SOTU and ongoing debates over trade policy.
Tariffs and the Supreme Court Ruling
Slotkin opened by addressing the Supreme Court’s February 20 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, where the Court struck down President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs. In a 6-3 decision, the justices held that IEEPA does not grant the president authority to levy tariffs, vacating duties that had generated over $175 billion in revenue and potentially opening the door to refunds for importers.
The senator explained that while the ruling curbs executive overreach, Trump’s swift response—imposing a new 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974—could still raise consumer prices and disrupt supply chains. Exemptions apply to certain goods from Canada, Mexico, and other Latin American countries under existing trade agreements like the USMCA. Slotkin warned that these measures might exacerbate inflation, particularly for Michigan’s manufacturing sector, and urged bipartisan efforts to address trade imbalances without broad economic penalties.
The Situation in Mexico
Turning to Mexico, Slotkin highlighted the intertwined challenges of cartel violence, fentanyl smuggling, and trade disputes. She noted that Trump’s tariffs on Mexican imports, initially tied to immigration and drug enforcement, have strained U.S.-Mexico relations, even as the Supreme Court invalidated parts of the IEEPA-based levies. Cartel activities have disrupted agricultural trade, affecting U.S. farmers and ranchers who rely on cross-border supply chains.
The briefing emphasized Mexico’s pushback, with officials like Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard calling for prudence and negotiations. Slotkin stressed the need for collaborative security measures, warning that escalating tariffs could worsen violence and economic instability without solving root causes like border security.
Trump’s State of the Union and Election Remarks
Slotkin dedicated the final segment to Trump’s February 24 State of the Union address, where he blamed Democrats for economic woes and called for passage of the SAVE America Act—a bill requiring proof of citizenship, strict voter ID, and potentially restricting mail ballots. The senator critiqued these proposals as overly restrictive, arguing they could disenfranchise voters without evidence of widespread fraud.
She also addressed backlash over Democrats not standing during parts of the speech, including calls to prioritize American citizens over immigrants. Slotkin dismissed such moments as “political stunts,” suggesting average Americans focus more on policy substance than optics. Critics, including Republican accounts on X, accused her of underestimating public attention to the event.
Public Reactions and Broader Context
The briefing has sparked mixed responses online. Some X users praised Slotkin’s straightforward analysis, sharing links to a YouTube version for wider access. Others, particularly conservatives, labeled it as partisan, with one post calling out her past intelligence role and accusing Democrats of prioritizing illegals over citizens.
As midterm elections approach, Slotkin’s comments underscore growing tensions over voting rights and trade. Democrats view the SAVE America Act as a “five-alarm fire” for democracy, while Republicans push it as essential for election integrity. The briefing aligns with Slotkin’s ongoing efforts to demystify complex issues for her constituents, amid a politically charged year.
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