Britt’s kitchen SOTU rebuttal garners barbs from Trump allies, enemies alike
Sen. Katie Britt’s response to the State of the Union has drawn its own response — including plenty of barbs across the political spectrum.
The Alabama Republican is seen as a rising star among Senate Republicans and a potential future leader. But her speech, set at her home kitchen, was slammed among many allies of former President Donald Trump.
“Katie Britt is talking like she's hosting a cooking show whispering about how Democrats ‘dont get it,’’' wrote Charlie Kirk.
Staunch adversaries of Trump's in the GOP world joined in too. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) deadpanned: “That one staffer that was likely suggesting that ‘maybe we don’t do SOTU response in a kitchen’ is having a very braggy day at work today.”
Her own Senate colleagues were reluctant to criticize her speech, voicing conviction she has a bright future in the Republican Party.
"She's a bright upcoming star," said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) with a smirk. "That's all I got."
"At least she didn't drink water," quipped Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who faced harsh criticism over his drink of the beverage during his own State of the Union response in 2013.
A Britt spokesperson, Sean Ross, responded to the criticism: "Joe Biden angrily screamed for an hour and was roundly praised for a ‘fiery’ speech. Katie Britt passionately made the case on the need for a new direction and is being criticized by the liberal media. Color me surprised."
And colleagues particularly thought the critique of the setting — her kitchen table — fell flat.
"Being attacked for being at the kitchen table tells me how out of touch the left is. The point was to say: I'm sitting where most families sit, trying to figure out life," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), though criticism for the setup was not only among Democrats.
Asked about Kirk's criticism specifically, Graham replied: "Charlie Kirk doesn't represent conservatism."
"I thought she did terrific," said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who's running for the second-highest post in GOP leadership. "I'm a big fan of Katie Britt."
Hill Democrats joined those rebuffing the rebuttal.
"I just don't buy this this this American hellscape that Republicans think we live in," Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told POLITICO. "It's a hard speech to give. My quibbles are with substance."
Some Democrats were less generous.
“If Katie Britt gets some after school acting lessons I think she's got a real shot at an ensemble role in next fall's Montgomery HS performance of Our Town,” joked Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.).
Burgess Everett contributed to this report.