The Fifth Column State of the Union Post-Mortem with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) - #546
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Feb 26, 2026 
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. senator from Michigan and former CIA official, discusses foreign policy, war powers, and defending alliances. She takes on tariffs' local harms and White House carve-outs. She also describes DOJ politicization and her push for institutional reforms. Short, direct takes on Ukraine, Iran, and the need for coherent U.S. strategy.
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State Of The Union Was A Greatest Hits That Lost The Crowd
- The State of the Union felt like a greatest-hits compilation that bored many viewers despite theatrical moments.
- Hosts noted Trump’s long, repetitive two-hour delivery diluted emotional peaks like medal ceremonies and left audiences tuning out early.
Ukraine Got Token Mention Despite Fourth Anniversary
- Trump minimized Ukraine to one sentence despite it being the fourth anniversary of the war.
- Hosts criticized that a conflict he once promised to end in 24 hours received token attention, signaling incoherent foreign priorities.
Insider Trading Rhetoric Clashed With Tariff Corruption Claims
- Trump proposed banning congressional insider trading while his administration faces pay-to-play tariff exclusions.
- Panel highlighted hypocrisy: anti-corruption rhetoric vs. reported ballroom-fund and crypto backdoors for tariff relief.