Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement following President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.
Senator Shaheen criticized President Trump’s approach to international relations and trade, particularly highlighting his decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada. She expressed concern that these tariffs could damage long-standing economic partnerships and negatively impact American workers and businesses. “Our allies are watching and the message is clear: this administration is willing to compromise long-standing strategic partnerships for short-sighted political gains,” she stated.
Shaheen also addressed the dismantling of foreign assistance programs, which she believes weakens America’s global influence while empowering adversaries like China and Russia. She noted that these programs were previously involved in monitoring diseases and preventing illegal activities but have now been discontinued under President Trump and Elon Musk’s influence.
Furthermore, Shaheen condemned what she described as President Trump’s “betrayal of Ukraine,” arguing it represents both a moral failure and a strategic misstep by not supporting an ally facing aggression from Russia. She warned that such actions could embolden other nations with territorial ambitions.
Concluding her statement, Shaheen called for Congress to remain steadfast against these policies. As Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she pledged to highlight their adverse effects on American alliances and national security.
