President Donald Trump praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a friendly Oval Office meeting, highlighting their shared views on tariffs and manufacturing. This marks a shift from their earlier tensions, particularly on pandemic response. Whitmer, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, emphasized bipartisan cooperation, pushing for tariff exemptions for Michigan’s key industries.
The meeting was the second time Whitmer met with Trump since his presidency began. She raised multiple issues, including the impact of an ongoing ice storm in northern Michigan, investments at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, invasive fish in the Great Lakes, and tariffs. Trump’s remarks highlighted Whitmer’s leadership, and he even brought her to the Oval Office while signing several unrelated executive orders. Whitmer’s spokesperson noted she was surprised to be invited to the Oval Office for Trump’s press conference without prior notice.
While other Democratic governors have criticized Trump’s tariffs, Whitmer took a more neutral stance, acknowledging their necessity but cautioning against their overuse. She also mentioned Trump’s recent actions, including investigations and security clearance revocations against some of his senior aides, but stated her presence wasn’t an endorsement of those actions. The meeting contrasts with Trump’s earlier criticism of Whitmer, particularly on pandemic response.
Whitmer, considering a 2028 presidential bid, signaled openness to collaboration with Trump to benefit her state. Her remarks on tariffs suggest a desire to balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility, a position that could position her as a compromise candidate within the Democratic Party.