March 04, 2025

Rep. Thanedar's Reaction to Trump's Joint Address

Rep. Thanedar's Reaction to Trump's “American Dream” Joint Address

Washington, D.C. - March 4th, 2025 

“Tonight, Donald Trump stood before the country and told you that America is thriving. He said the economy is booming, citizens are protected, and working families are winning. But my constituents have told me otherwise.

Trump spent tonight talking about the ‘Return of the American Dream’ and ‘the golden age of America.” I do not think he understands what those words truly mean.

He doesn’t understand what it means to worry about the price of gas, or how much the electric bill will be, or the cost of school lunches.

My story is one that looks a lot more like the average American —an immigrant who rose from poverty, worked as a janitor to survive, and earned a PhD before building successful businesses and dedicating my life to public service. 

Trump inherited wealth and privilege, while my success came through education, resilience, and hard work. 

Now, this administration is putting up even more roadblocks for working-class Americans who dream of a better life. The Republican budget plan is devastating. For MI-13, it would do the following:

  • Cut healthcare for 333,000 people

  • Slash food assistance for 225,000 families

  • Double Medicare premiums for seniors

They are not cutting government waste. They are cutting the basic lifelines that provide a foundation for these dreams and aspirations. 

They are raising prices, firing veterans, and lying through their teeth about the amount of money we are ‘saving.’

If this administration is truly focused on promoting the American Dream, it wouldn’t be gutting the departments and programs that support the children, families, and entrepreneurs dreaming of a better life.

They are taking food off tables, medicine out of pillboxes, and money out of your pocket. 

Take it from me, it is much harder to think about building a business or taking a test when you are worried about where your next meal will come from or where you will lay down to sleep.” 

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.