Dear Fourth District Constituent,
This week, President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress. I chose to attend this speech, because I wanted to be in the room as President Trump lied to the American people and made excuses for his disastrous mismanagement of the economy since taking office.
President Trump spent 99 minutes giving a campaign speech, bullying our allies, berating Americans who disagree with him, and bragging about his self-described "mandate." He spent just two minutes on the rising costs facing Americans— but only to blame everyone but himself for higher prices -- costs he’s driving even higher for Minnesota families by his tariffs, economic policies, and fiscal mismanagement. He also promised to protect Medicare and Medicaid, yet the Trump-endorsed, House-passed Republican budget mandates hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to vital health care programs, as well as cuts in food benefits to families that rely on SNAP – while handing out massive tax cuts for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. Trump was silent about the impact on families that will be caused by these devastating actions.
Watch my video response on
YouTube. I also joined
MPR Politics Friday with Brian Bakst to discuss the federal budget.
We Are Paying for Trump’s Trade Wars
Canada is Minnesota’s largest trading partner, but more than that, Canadians are our friends and our family. President Trump’s 25% tariff on imports from Canada harms workers and businesses here in Minnesota and across the Great Lakes Region. Trump’s tariff war is the result of his complete misunderstanding of the special relationship our nations share. His tariffs will tax Americans as much as Canadians – consumers, farmers, truckers, retailers, and manufacturers are already paying more – even as he temporarily suspended some of them for 30 days. This week, retirement savings for Americans took a hit as markets dropped as much as 10% since last year. I joined
CBC News on Tuesday to discuss the importance of the longstanding alliance and trade partnership between our two countries.
President Trump Adopts Kremlin Worldview, Abandons the People of Ukraine
In a stunning reversal of America’s support for our democratic allies around the world since the end of World War II, President Trump is choosing the world view of Russia’s war criminal president, Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin is openly cheering Trump’s swift and dramatic retreat from leadership of the free world. In Ukraine, Trump's decision to halt military assistance will lead to disastrous consequences for its people and neighboring countries if it is not immediately reversed.
The United States is an indispensable partner with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to defend their democracy and their sovereignty from President Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion of their nation.
Congresswoman McCollum shakes hand with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the US Capitol last September.
If President Trump continues to halt assistance to Ukraine, not only will it put President Zelenskyy in a far weaker negotiating position with the Russians, but it could even lead to a catastrophic collapse of Ukrainian defensive positions. As the leader of the free world, the United States is better than this. President Trump should reverse his terrible decision immediately.
University of Minnesota Student Leadership
On Tuesday, I met with the student leadership from the University of Minnesota, including Student Body President Rhama Ali, Vice President Clara Junemann, and others. We discussed important issues facing students including food insecurity, financial aid, interstate licensure for mental health professionals, and DEI program protection. These bright young leaders guiding the University of Minnesota inspire my hope for the future of our state and our nation.
Congresswoman McCollum met with University of Minnesota student leaders, including Student Body President Rhama Ali and Vice President Clara Junemann, on Tuesday.
Washington and Ramsey County Commissioners in D.C.
This week I met with county commissioners from Ramsey and Washington counties. Local officials are the best voices to demonstrate how President Trump's reckless and illegal spending cuts will harm East Metro communities.
Congresswoman McCollum met with Washington County Commissioners (left) and Ramsey County Commissioners (right) in Washington, D.C. this week as county commissioners
My staff continues to work closely with county governments to provide federal support for vital projects in the region. Unfortunately, the President's chaotic and illegal actions put access to this support at risk. I will always fight to protect the services that counties in Minnesota rely on.
