Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Sen. Elissa Slotkin Talks US Tariffs, Relationship with US
Host: Oliver Crook (Bloomberg)
Guest: Senator Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, Michigan)
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

Live from the Munich Security Conference, Bloomberg’s Oliver Crook sits down with Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss the state of US foreign policy under the Trump administration, strain in transatlantic relations, recent US tariff policy—including bipartisan resistance—and Slotkin’s own experiences with political intimidation and domestic political maneuvering. The conversation candidly explores anxieties among European allies, the effect of “MAGA foreign policy,” and anticipation ahead of the US midterms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Foreign Policy & America’s Global Reputation

Timestamps: 01:09–03:38

• Slotkin describes her presence in Munich as part of a congressional delegation aiming to reassure European allies that not all Americans agree with the current presidential administration’s approach, especially “kick your allies in the teeth and cozy up to your adversaries.”
• She emphasizes that the US is experiencing a political crisis keenly observed by international partners.
• European counterparts express disbelief and concern, asking in closed meetings: “what is going on in America?” (02:42)
• Slotkin:

  “I still believe that the American public does not want an authoritarian leader, want a king. Our whole country is based on that.” (02:54)

Notable Quote

• Slotkin: “It takes a long time to build trust and an instant to lose it… When you start acting erratically, when you act like a madman and no one knows what you’re going to do next, they can’t trust to make a deal with you.” (03:38)

2. Trust, Alliance Management, and the Trump Effect

Timestamps: 03:15–04:49

• Crook asks if US stature has been permanently damaged. Slotkin reflects on alliance solidarity, her own family’s WWII legacy, and how recent US actions have “broken trust in a severe way.”
• The unpredictability of US actions (“acting like a madman”) has damaged credibility, especially after insults to coalition troops and erratic foreign policy choices.
• America’s need for allies and friends in a globalized world is emphasized.

3. Pressuring Allies vs. Achieving Results

Timestamps: 04:28–05:24

• Crook notes that aggressive US tactics did prompt increased European spending on defense.
• Slotkin acknowledges this but dislikes the approach:

  “Unfortunately, the lesson that’s been taught is if you club your allies over the head, they will eventually give you something more. …That’s not the way we want to proceed.” (04:49)

4. The China Challenge & Incoherent Trade/Tariff Policy

Timestamps: 05:24–06:15

• Focus turns to US-Europe cooperation on China—Slotkin sees “a ton of room” for teamwork but criticizes disarray in American China policy.
• As a Michigander and auto industry advocate, she’s baffled by current tariff policy:

  “We have more tariffs right now on Canada than we do on China. One day we’re all about buy America, the next day Donald Trump’s talking about letting in Chinese electric vehicles into the United States.” (05:49)

5. Congressional Backlash on Trump Tariffs

Timestamps: 06:15–06:58

• Discussion of a House vote opposing tariffs on Canada, with bipartisan breakaway.
• Slotkin hails the vote as a significant opening for more challenges to Trump’s tariffs:

  “Bravery sometimes comes in millimeters. …Six Republicans…voted with Democrats to say the president’s sloppy tariff policy isn’t good and should be repealed…That opens the door…” (06:28)

• She sees this as Republicans eyeing the midterms, viewing Trump’s tariffs as a “boat anchor” on their campaigns.

6. Domestic Politics & Public Mood Before Midterms

Timestamps: 06:58–07:28

• Slotkin asserts that economic promises remain unfulfilled:

  “He said he was going to do something about the economy. …Michigan has lost almost more jobs than any other state in the country. He just hasn’t lived up with the things that he campaigned on.” (07:06)

7. Political Prosecutions & Intimidation Tactics

Timestamps: 07:28–08:59

• Slotkin discusses charges of “sedition” against her and fellow Democrats—a response to a video asserting military law.
• She alleges “weaponization” of the federal government, citing both legal and physical intimidation:

  “I had like a month long threats…bomb threats, my parents were went after…It’s legal intimidation, right? Make me pay lots and lots of money to have a lawyer and be in this legal limbo.” (08:29)

• The effect is to deter public dissent, silence adversaries, and send a chilling message to others.

8. Bipartisan Responses & The Call for Courage

Timestamps: 08:59–09:31

• Slotkin notes tepid Republican support in defense of free speech, wishing more would follow.
• “I would never want that for them…Democrats could win again. I don’t want Democrats saying, oh, we should go after Republican senators for a 90 second video. I don’t want that for anybody.” (09:06)

9. The MAGA Foreign Policy—Rhetoric and Outlook

Timestamps: 09:31–10:10

• On previous and upcoming speeches by Republican figures at Munich:
  • Slotkin expects Marco Rubio’s speech to “smooth the edges,” in stark contrast to JD Vance’s “MAGA” address last year that shocked many.

  “I remember sitting there listening to J.D. Vance’s speech last year just with shock and I don’t think we’re going to hear that.” (09:41)

10. Greenland Policy Flip-Flop

Timestamps: 10:10–10:43

• Slotkin is puzzled about the administration’s abrupt reversal on the Greenland issue:

  “Your guess may be as good as mine….It’s really hard to predict what he’s going to do and say. So being friends with him, being an ally of his, is really, really difficult at this moment.” (10:26)

Memorable Quotes

• On US Political Crisis:
  “We are having a real crisis in the United States. …But in the meantime, it’s only natural that you question what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and who it helps.” (01:53)
• On Authoritarianism:
  “Our whole country is based on [not wanting a king]. And there are certain barometers we have for authoritarianism. And we’re just, we’re going to come out of it.” (02:54)
• On Foreign Policy Unpredictability:
  “When you act like a madman and no one knows what you’re going to do next, they can’t trust to make a deal with you.” (03:38)
• On Tariff Policy:
  “Bravery sometimes comes in millimeters. …That opens the door to a bunch more votes on tariffs. That is a big deal. I’ll take it.” (06:28)
• On Intimidation:
  “You do that to the average person, they say, you know what, I’m just gonna go quiet. …And I’m just not going to do that because I know that he is trying to intimidate people to be quiet.” (08:29)

Key Segment Timestamps

• America’s Reputation & Message to Europe: 01:09–03:38
• Tariffs, Trade Policy & House Vote: 05:24–06:58
• Domestic Political Turbulence & Political Intimidation: 07:28–09:31
• Expectations of MAGA Policy Messaging: 09:31–10:10
• On Greenland U-Turn: 10:10–10:43

Takeaways

• Senator Slotkin provides a direct, candid view of divisiveness in US foreign policy and its ripple effects on alliances, especially with Europe.
• Despite bipartisan cracks, she sees glimmers of courage as some Republicans break with the president on tariffs and civil liberties.
• She warns of the threat posed by normalization of intimidation and authoritarian tactics in US politics.
• The episode captures the uncertainties both at home and abroad faced by America’s partners, as well as the magnitude of US political reverberations on the world stage.