Harris, Booker Denounce War, Trump, Honor Women at Detroit Event

Democratic leaders criticize former president's foreign policy and economic record at Michigan party luncheon.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary podium or lectern, its surface reflecting the warm glow of sunlight streaming in from an unseen window, conceptually representing the solemn, serious tone of a political event.The Democratic Party's efforts to rally its base ahead of the 2026 elections are marked by impassioned calls for a return to progressive values and economic justice.Today in Detroit

Former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivered scathing critiques of former President Donald Trump's foreign policy and economic record during a Michigan Democratic Party luncheon honoring women on Saturday. Harris accused Trump of launching military strikes in Iran as a 'feeble attempt to distract' from the Jeffery Epstein scandal, while Booker called for a 'New Deal' to address issues like healthcare and childcare affordability.

Why it matters

The event highlighted the Democratic Party's efforts to energize its base ahead of the 2026 elections, with high-profile speakers denouncing Trump's policies and calling for a renewed progressive agenda. The speeches also showcased the party's focus on women's issues and criminal justice reform, key priorities for many Michigan voters.

The details

At the Michigan Democratic Party Women's Caucus Legacy Luncheon in Detroit, Harris accused Trump of launching military strikes in Iran to distract from the Epstein scandal, claiming the former president was 'an insecure man' who was 'trying to pretend that he's some kind of mob boss.' Booker, meanwhile, called for a 'New Deal' to address economic challenges facing American families, such as the lack of affordable healthcare and childcare.

  • The luncheon took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The event came hours before a separate Legacy Dinner organized by the party to honor Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate.

Cory Booker

U.S. Senator from New Jersey and former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

Debra Thomas

Longtime Wayne County Circuit Court Judge who received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award at the event.

Jocelyn Benson

Michigan Secretary of State who criticized former President Trump's false claims about the 2020 election.

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What they’re saying

“(Trump) entered a war — and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let's be clear about that — that the American people didn't want.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

“Hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word. ... we are living in a time where there is despair, and fear and hurt. But now more than ever, like Mrs. Jones, we can't wait for other people to bring us hope. We are each other's hope. We are the heroes we're looking for.”

— Cory Booker, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Michigan Democratic Party is scheduled to hold its endorsement convention on Sunday, where the party will select nominees for attorney general and secretary of state.

The takeaway

The event highlighted the Democratic Party's efforts to energize its base ahead of the 2026 elections, with high-profile speakers denouncing Trump's policies and calling for a renewed progressive agenda focused on issues like healthcare, childcare, and criminal justice reform.