In a significant development for Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base, President Donald Trump declared a new fighter jet mission on Tuesday, easing concerns about the possible closure of the base. This announcement marked a win for Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, traditionally a critic of Trump, as the two leaders shared a momentary embrace during the event.
Governor Whitmer, who has been softening her stance toward Trump to find common ground, prioritized securing a new mission for the base. The gesture of a hug between the Republican president and the Democratic governor, especially given the tension of the previous election campaign, was notable. Whitmer later clarified to local reporters, “He congratulated me and said I was a big part of today’s announcement, for which I am thankful.”
Addressing attendees at the airbase, Trump affirmed that Selfridge has long been vital to North American air defense. Expressing empathy with the worries of Michigan residents about the base’s future, he stated, “I’m here to eliminate any uncertainty about Selfridge’s fate.”
For years, state officials lobbied for replacing the aging A-10 aircraft at the base, which are marked for retirement, to sustain Selfridge’s operations. Trump announced that the retiring planes would be substituted with 21 brand new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets.
During his address, Trump acknowledged Whitmer’s effective advocacy for Selfridge, which featured a brief motorcade ride they shared while marking his 100th day of office in Michigan. Whitmer, in her remarks, didn’t specifically mention Trump but expressed, “I am overjoyed with the revitalization at Selfridge. It’s critical for Michigan’s economy, for the servicemen and women, for our homeland security, and the future. We are all indebted to this outcome.”
Located 30 miles north of Detroit, Selfridge significantly contributes to Michigan’s economy, with an $850 million statewide impact and supporting around 5,000 personnel, both military and civilian, as per Sen. Gary Peters’s office.
Governor Whitmer has consistently urged successive administrations, including Trump’s previous tenure and former President Joe Biden’s, to authorize a new mission for the base, deeming it an essential defense and economic site. Despite losing a bid for F-35A Lightning fighter jets back in 2017, this recent upgrade is a significant victory.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who visited separately for the announcement, supported Trump’s declaration at Selfridge. Beyond the military significance, Trump’s announcement marked a political achievement for Whitmer, although future repercussions remain uncertain. Potentially being mentioned as a prospective presidential candidate, Whitmer aims to bolster her national presence by cooperating with Trump where feasible.
This cooperation is controversial among some Democrats, who see Trump’s actions as detrimental, preferring robust opposition. Earlier in the month, Whitmer traveled to Washington D.C., discussing Selfridge and issues like tariffs with Trump. During the unexpected meeting in the Oval Office, she awkwardly witnessed Trump’s actions despite an uncomfortable atmosphere.
In that interaction, Trump conveyed desires to maintain Selfridge as an operationally significant base, mentioning its favorable attributes and positive prospects in Michigan. True to his word, Trump announced the decision in a period when Michigan reports three consecutive months of rising unemployment, currently above the national average at 5.5%.