President Donald Trump publicly criticized Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) after she told an audience at the University of Chicago that young conservatives could face consequences for working in his administration.
Video of Slotkin’s appearance shows her suggesting that potential prosecutions of Republican leaders could discourage young conservatives from getting involved in Trump administration politics. After the remarks drew criticism, Slotkin responded by arguing that Trump had “weaponized” the government against her, and said those who “violated the law to carry out guidance from the president” should be held accountable.
Trump addressed the controversy directly, saying Slotkin’s original comments amounted to a call for prosecutions meant to scare people away from politics.
“That’s a hell of a statement. Slotkin said that there should be prosecutions in order to scare people from going into politics. That’s a Democrat and that’s what they do. That’s all they’re good at — and you know what? That’s why they’re getting their asses kicked.”
Trump also went after Slotkin’s record in Michigan, calling her a “low-life” and accusing her of “ruining her state.”
“They’ve weaponized government. Slotkin is a low-life who is ruining her state, just destroying her state. What they’re doing is really discouraging people from going into politics. They weaponized government, the Democrats — that’s what they’ve done.”
Slotkin, who represents Michigan in the Senate, has not issued further public comment beyond her initial response pointing to the Trump administration’s own conduct as justification for her remarks.
