In a surprising show of bipartisanship, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined former President Donald Trump at the White House on April 9, 2025, for the signing of several executive orders related to U.S. manufacturing. During the event, Trump offered unexpected praise for the Democratic governor, calling her “a very good person” who has done “an excellent job.”
Earlier in the day, Governor Whitmer delivered a major policy address in Washington titled “Build, America, Build,” where she called for renewed investment in American manufacturing. While expressing support for Trump’s emphasis on reindustrialization, she also voiced concerns over his use of sweeping tariffs, urging for a more targeted strategy. “We need to use tariffs like a scalpel, not a hammer,” she said, warning of potential harm to states like Michigan if trade measures are too broad.
At the Oval Office, Whitmer brought up several state-specific priorities, including the economic impact of tariffs on Michigan’s automotive industry, continued federal funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and long-term protection for the Great Lakes. Although she stressed the importance of finding common ground, she clarified that her presence did not imply full alignment with the administration’s broader policies.
The meeting between Whitmer and Trump marks a rare moment of civility across party lines, especially considering their contentious history during the COVID-19 pandemic. Political observers viewed the event as a sign of Whitmer’s pragmatic leadership and willingness to engage with federal officials on key issues affecting her state.
As the 2026 political landscape begins to take shape, this moment of cooperation between two former rivals highlights the potential for dialogue even amid a deeply divided national climate.
