LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan gave a speech emphasizing shared economic priorities with President Donald Trump just ahead of their planned meeting. This approach marked a more diplomatic tone from the Democratic governor amid her party’s growing criticisms of Trump.
Labeling her speech as a “blueprint for success,” Whitmer urged bipartisan efforts to bolster American manufacturing. While she offered some criticism of Trump, she highlighted common goals, saying, “I understand the motivation behind the tariffs, and here’s where President Trump and I do agree. We do need to make more stuff in America.” However, she cautioned against the indiscriminate use of tariffs, stating, “I’m not against tariffs outright, but they are a blunt tool. You can’t just bust out the tariff hammer to swing at every problem without a clearly defined end-goal.”
The speech, delayed due to severe weather in northern Michigan, came before her second recent meeting with Trump, including a dinner where she was seated next to him at the White House. This meeting followed the announcement of new tariffs by Trump, which could significantly impact Michigan’s auto industry that relies heavily on international trade. Whitmer mentioned her upcoming discussions with Trump’s Cabinet members concerning the tariff impacts.
Once a stern critic of Trump, especially during his initial term and her campaign engagements, Whitmer has recently adopted a more tempered approach, often calling for “common ground” in her talks. She remarked, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” reiterating her commitment to representing Michigan’s interests despite political challenges, adding, “My oath to the people of Michigan is to continue to show up, even when it means I’m going to get my lunch handed to me.”
Whitmer’s diplomatic strategy contrasts with other prominent Democratic governors, many of whom are perceived as contenders for the 2028 presidential race. For instance, Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois continues to vocally oppose Trump’s tariffs, while California’s Gavin Newsom seeks to mitigate adverse effects on his state by appealing directly to international partners.
Confronting a unique political landscape, Whitmer navigates a divided legislature and a state that leaned toward Trump in recent elections. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, from a state Trump won in 2024, has been more critical, accusing Trump of trying to “screw over our farmers” with these tariffs.
Whitmer’s balanced approach was evident in her recent speech and follow-up dialogue with former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson. While she aligned with Trump on the need for domestic production, she opposed his tariff methodology, emphasizing that transforming industrial strategies “doesn’t happen overnight.” She advocated for a strategic, bipartisan reindustrialization plan across various administrations.
With less than two years remaining in her term due to limits, Whitmer has ventured beyond Michigan recently, engaging in international trade trips and visits to Washington, D.C. Despite her national presence, Whitmer dismissed speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. “This year and in the years to come — no matter who’s in the White House — let’s bet on American workers. Let’s bring chip manufacturing back home. Let’s dominate the seas and own the skies. Let’s innovate and let’s build,” she declared as she concluded her speech.