In her latest weekly “Intel Brief,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin tackled three issues dominating headlines — and kitchen-table conversations: rising prices from tariffs, escalating cartel violence in Mexico and President Trump’s latest comments about elections.

Here’s what she says Americans need to know.

Tariffs and Your Wallet

Slotkin began with tariffs, calling them confusing but deeply personal when it comes to household budgets. After President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on goods from more than 100 countries last year, the Supreme Court recently ruled that most of those tariffs were незаконституционными, saying Congress — not the president — has the authority to impose them.

Trump has since vowed to reimpose tariffs using a different legal pathway, proposing a broad 15% rate.

Slotkin explained how that uncertainty affects everyday shoppers. Using a simple example — a $1 plastic Easter egg imported from overseas — she said a 15% tariff raises the importer’s cost to $1.15. That cost doesn’t get paid by China or another exporting country, she stressed. It’s paid by the American company bringing the product in — and then passed along to retailers and consumers.

Even when courts block tariffs, businesses don’t immediately drop prices if they expect new ones to return. That instability, she argued, leads companies to keep prices higher to hedge against uncertainty — meaning shoppers could continue to pay more.

Her message: tariffs aren’t abstract trade tools. They can show up in your holiday shopping cart.

Cartel Violence in Mexico

On national security, Slotkin addressed concerns about violence in Mexico after U.S. intelligence reportedly helped Mexican authorities target a powerful cartel leader from the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

The crackdown triggered deadly retaliation across multiple Mexican states, including airport closures and street violence. More than 70 people reportedly died in the clashes.

Slotkin said the violence has largely subsided, but acknowledged many Americans — including families planning spring break travel — are worried.

Her advice: check the State Department’s travel advisory website before any international trip and enroll in the STEP program, which registers Americans with U.S. embassies abroad in case of emergencies.

While she described the cartel crackdown as a positive long-term development, she emphasized the importance of staying informed and cautious.

Elections and Proof of Citizenship

Finally, Slotkin turned to democracy. At the recent State of the Union address, President Trump suggested Democrats can only win elections by cheating and floated the idea of nationalizing elections.

Slotkin warned that proposals requiring proof of citizenship at the polls go beyond standard voter ID laws. Most driver’s licenses do not prove citizenship, she said, meaning voters would need passports or original birth certificates — documents many Americans don’t readily carry.

She raised particular concern about women whose married names differ from their birth certificates, saying such requirements could complicate voting access.

Her closing message: election administration should remain in the hands of local officials, free from intimidation and political interference.

From grocery prices to border violence to ballot access, Slotkin’s briefing underscores how global policy fights can ripple directly into everyday American life — and why she believes voters should pay close attention.