Slotkin hits at Musk and "gang of 20-year-olds" in rebuttal to Trump address - Axios

In the ongoing political discourse surrounding technological innovation and its impact on the American economy, Representative Elissa Slotkin has recently made headlines for her pointed comments. During her rebuttal to the former president's address, Slotkin took aim at Elon Musk and his company SpaceX, dubbing them a "gang of 20-year-olds". Slotkin's controversial remarks tapped into the broader conversation about the role of young tech moguls in shaping the future of the American economy, and the challenges they pose to traditional democratic structures. The congresswoman's stance, advocating for change without losing sight of the country's democratic values, adds a new dimension to this contentious debate.

Representative Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, didn't hold back in her response to President Trump's recent address. The congresswoman, known for her outspoken nature, critiqued not only the content of the address, but also those involved in its creation and execution. A key point of contention was the involvement of Elon Musk and his team, whom Slotkin referred to as a "gang of 20-year-olds".

Slotkin's critique of Musk and his team seems to stem from a perceived lack of experience and understanding of the complex and nuanced nature of public policy and governance. The congresswoman emphasized the importance of experience and wisdom in such roles, suggesting that Musk's team, by virtue of their age and perceived lack of experience, could not fully comprehend or effectively address the challenges and issues at hand.

"We can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy," Slotkin said, pushing back against the notion that radical change should come at the expense of established democratic norms and values. The congresswoman stressed the need for balance and respect for the country's democratic foundations, even as it seeks to innovate and adapt to the demands of the modern world.

Slotkin's comments reflect a broader concern among many politicians and policy experts: the increasing influence of tech industry figures in politics and policy-making. While innovation and fresh perspectives are widely welcomed, there is an ongoing debate about the appropriate balance between these two aspects and the preservation of the country’s core democratic values.

Slotkin believes that while it is important to embrace technological advancements and innovation, it is equally crucial to maintain the country’s democratic values. The congresswoman, who has served Michigan's 8th congressional district since 2019, emphasized that the United States can adapt to new technologies without compromising the democratic principles on which the nation was founded.

She addressed the issue with a clear reference to influential figures like Elon Musk and a "gang of 20-year-olds", a term she used to describe the young tech moguls who have been shaping the future of technology. While recognizing their contributions to technological evolution, Slotkin also highlighted the need for a balanced approach that respects the democratic system.

The congresswoman’s statement is likely a response to the growing influence of tech moguls in shaping policies and the economy. With their power to influence, Slotkin seems to imply that these individuals need to be more mindful of their responsibilities towards democracy and society at large.

Slotkin's view resonates with a growing concern in America about the unchecked power of big tech companies and their impact on democracy. This concern has led to calls for more strict regulations to ensure that technological advancements do not overshadow democratic values and principles.

In her remarks, Slotkin emphasized the need for innovation without losing sight of the country's roots. "We can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy," Slotkin said. She underscored the importance of balancing the drive for technological advancement with respect for established institutions and traditional democratic values.

Dr. Josephine Perry, a political science professor at University of Michigan, provided an analysis of Slotkin's comments. "Slotkin is trying to strike a balance between embracing the new and respecting the old," Dr. Perry said. "She is signaling that while she recognizes the need for America to keep up with the rapid pace of technological innovation, such progress must not come at the expense of our democratic principles and values."

According to Dr. Perry, this could have significant implications for the upcoming legislative debates. "If Slotkin can rally her colleagues around this vision, it could potentially influence the direction of technology legislation in Congress," Dr. Perry said. "It's a delicate balance, but one that is increasingly important in our current era of rapid technological change."

In her rebuttal to Trump's address, Morgan Smith, also known as Slotkin, called out Elon Musk and his team, likening them to a "gang of 20-year-olds." Her comments were a direct critique of Musk's influence and the sway held by tech industry leaders in general, suggesting that they may not have the maturity or experience necessary to guide the country's future.

Slotkin's remarks clearly underscored her belief in the importance of maintaining the country's democratic values while pushing for change. "We can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy," she said, emphasizing the balance that needs to be struck between progress and preservation of core principles.

As the debate over the role of tech tycoons and their corporations in shaping the nation's path continues, Slotkin's statements add a new dimension to the conversation, urging a mindful approach to change that respects the nation's democratic foundations.

Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/slotkin-trump-congress-elon-musk