On May 1, 2025, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) delivered a scathing critique of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in his second term, accusing him of consolidating power into the hands of the billionaire class. Speaking on the House floor, Tlaib argued that Trump’s policies have eroded constitutional rights, dismantled federal agencies, and prioritized corporate interests over working-class Americans. Her remarks, posted on X and featured in a YouTube video by Forbes, reflect her ongoing opposition to Trump, aligning with her progressive advocacy for economic justice and systemic reform.
Tlaib pointed to specific actions, including Trump’s executive orders, which she called unconstitutional, such as the attempt to eliminate the Department of Education, which she said harms low-income students and those with disabilities. She also criticized budget proposals, backed by Republicans, that cut $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from food assistance to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. These moves, Tlaib argued, exemplify a transfer of wealth and power to billionaires like Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). She highlighted DOGE’s plans to slash federal programs, which she claims threaten Social Security and resources for students with disabilities.
Her critique resonates with broader progressive concerns about Trump’s ties to corporate elites. A Greenpeace International report noted Trump’s environmental rollbacks, such as exiting the Paris Climate Agreement and boosting fossil fuel industries, benefiting billionaire donors like Kelcy Warren of Energy Transfer. Tlaib’s stance also echoes sentiments on X, where users like @Icecld2 called for resistance against this “billionaire takeover,” citing her speech. However, supporters of Trump on X argue that his policies, like tariff exemptions for oil and gas, aim to curb inflation and protect American industries, dismissing Tlaib’s claims as partisan hyperbole.
Tlaib’s history of confronting Trump, including her 2019 call to “impeach the motherfucker” and votes for his impeachment in 2019 and 2021, frames her latest remarks. As a Palestinian-American and member of “the Squad,” she has long accused Trump of targeting women of color, a sentiment she reiterated in a 2019 Guardian interview, stating, “He’s scared of us.” Critics, including some conservatives on X, counter that Tlaib’s rhetoric inflames divisions, with posts labeling her an “enemy within” for her stances on immigration and Israel.
The debate underscores a polarized political landscape. Tlaib’s focus on economic inequality and corporate influence appeals to her base in Michigan’s 12th district, one of the nation’s poorest, where she has built a reputation for constituent services like preventing water shutoffs. Yet, her outspokenness invites scrutiny, with opponents arguing she overlooks the economic benefits of Trump’s deregulation. As Trump’s second term progresses, Tlaib’s critiques will likely fuel further clashes, reflecting deeper tensions over wealth, power, and governance in America.
