Katie Britt, a 42-year-old Senator from Alabama, was chosen by Republican leaders to give the response to President Biden’s State of the Union address. She defeated Rep. Mo Brooks in the Republican primary runoff to win the Senate seat left vacant by Richard Shelby. Before her Senate tenure, Britt worked as Shelby’s chief of staff and president of the Business Council of Alabama. She is the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate and the first woman to represent Alabama in the Senate. Britt introduced herself as a proud wife and mother during her response, highlighting her journey from rural Enterprise, Alabama to the U.S. Senate.
Britt’s State of the Union response criticized President Biden’s policies on immigration, economics, crime, and foreign policy. She painted a bleak picture of America under his presidency, accusing him of being out of touch with everyday Americans. Britt emphasized the struggles faced by families across the country, contrasting it with the administration’s claims of economic success. She also highlighted her family discussions around the kitchen table and her husband’s NFL background, trying to establish a connection with Americans.
Regarding immigration, Britt blamed President Biden for the border crisis, calling his policies a disgrace. She pointed to specific incidents like the murder of a 22-year-old woman at the University of Georgia by a Venezuelan migrant to criticize his border policies. Britt also raised concerns about sex trafficking by cartels, attempting to instill fear among the public. Additionally, she reassured voters that Republicans support access to in vitro fertilization treatments following a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos.
Former President Trump praised Britt’s response, calling her a great contrast to President Biden and commending her compassion, particularly on women’s issues. He highlighted her discussion on migrant crime as powerful and insightful. Britt’s endorsement of Trump in a previous opinion piece showcased her alignment with the former president’s views. Overall, Britt’s State of the Union response aimed to position her as a strong Republican voice against President Biden’s policies and present herself as a relatable figure for American families struggling under the current administration.
