LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan is looking to establish a cooperative relationship with President-elect Donald Trump while expressing her firm stance on tariffs that could jeopardize the state’s auto industry.
On the agenda is her first significant address since Trump’s election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, who Whitmer actively supported during her campaign throughout the Midwest.
Scheduled for delivery at the Detroit Auto Show, Whitmer’s speech will be closely watched by constituents in Michigan and by those seeking fresh direction within the national Democratic leadership.
Whitmer’s political reality presents more complexities than others in her party eyeing the presidency in 2028, as she needs to contend with a divided state legislature and reinforce her legacy in a state that has backed Trump in two of the last three elections.
In excerpts shared ahead of her speech, the governor illustrated a desire for bipartisan cooperation, stating she will call upon both her Republican counterparts and fellow Democrats to seek common ground.
Although she is keen to work with Trump, she is also engaging with officials from neighboring Canada amid ongoing trade disputes where Trump has accused Canada of unfair practices and hinted at its possible integration into the U.S.
Whitmer is set to caution against viewing tariffs as a universal remedy, emphasizing, “We can’t treat them like a ‘one size fits all’ solution” and stressing that punitive measures should not be aimed at key trading partners.
In a recent interview, Whitmer outlined her plans moving forward, discussing her hopes to engage directly with Trump in the coming weeks.
She noted that while she hasn’t communicated with him yet, she intends to attend the National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., next month, where she will join fellow governors for a dinner with the president.
Whitmer expressed eagerness to align on pivotal issues, reflecting that both she and Trump were elected by Michigan voters, and there is potential for collaboration.
When asked about her strategies regarding Trump’s administration, she indicated that her political landscape varies significantly from those in more liberal states; she has a Republican majority in the House and must navigate that dynamic effectively.
“I don’t see myself as the leader of opposition,” she remarked, highlighting her need to deliver results through bipartisan efforts.
On the topic of immigration and Trump’s proposed mass deportations, her response was cautious. While acknowledging the campaign’s rhetoric, she expressed uncertainty about the administration’s actual plans once in office.
Whitmer recognizes that the implementation of policies may differ significantly from campaign promises, signaling the importance of remaining adaptable in response to future developments.
Another area of discussion has been the public’s receptiveness to electing a woman as president. Despite recent female candidates for the Democratic Party, voters have yet to favor a woman for the presidency.
Whitmer, who is seen as a potential presidential contender for 2028, responded optimistically, asserting that if male candidates have lost, it should not automatically imply that gender plays a determining role in electoral outcomes.
She concluded, “So anyone suggesting it’s about gender may have more to do with their personal agenda rather than an accurate assessment of voter sentiments.”
