Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing intense backlash after making a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump rally.
Newsweek has contacted Whitmer’s office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Whitmer, who is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028, has come under scrutiny from Democrats in recent weeks for cultivating a closer working relationship with Trump. Her party is divided over whether to engage with the White House or not as they seek to win back the House and the Senate in 2026, and the presidency in 2028.
Her appearance will likely further isolate Democrats who regard Trump as a toxic figure and are frustrated with what they see as their party’s inability to stand up to him, but Whitmer has repeatedly defended her bipartisan approach, saying that she’s willing to work with anyone committed to getting results but won’t compromise her core beliefs.
What To Know
Whitmer joined Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County on Tuesday. There had been fears that the base could close, but this week, those fears appeared to be quashed when Trump said he would “save Selfridge,” announcing new fighter jets for the base.
President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. Alex Brandon/AP
For decades, Trump said at the air base, Selfridge has “stood as a crucial pillar of North American air defense.”
“In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. They’ve been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump,” he said. “Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridge’s future.”
Whitmer and other Michigan officials have long pushed for a new fighter mission at the base, warning that the planned retirement of the A-10 fleet could severely impact Macomb County’s economy. The base contributes an estimated $850 million annually to Michigan’s economy and supports around 30,000 jobs. Whitmer has lobbied both the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting Selfridge’s legacy with fighter aircraft and its strategic location near an international border, making it ideal for future missions.
Following Trump’s announcement, the president brought Whitmer onstage, seemingly catching her off guard.
“Well, I hadn’t planned to speak, but I’m—on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably, on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we’re here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It’s crucial for the Michigan economy. It’s crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you,” Whitmer said.
The two even shared a hug. “I was the first one he greeted. We shook hands and he leaned in to tell me, you know, congratulations and that I was a big reason that we were making an announcement today. And I was grateful for that,” Whitmer told The Associated Press about the moment.
But Whitmer’s appearance at Trump’s press conference has provoked backlash from progressives.
A Reddit post from political group 50501 accused her of “destructive enabling behavior” and lending legitimacy to a president they believe should face impeachment. Tara Setmayer, co-founder of The Seneca Project, expressed her dismay on X, saying Whitmer is “disqualifying herself” with her recent actions.
However, some defended Whitmer, including Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, who said on X: “It’s ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.”
Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, added: “You won’t catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That’s the damn job.”
In a statement after the event, Whitmer called the new fighter mission a “big, bipartisan win” and said she appreciated the President’s partnership.
She also told Politico that Trump’s announcement was “an important thing for Michigan and our economy.”
Whitmer’s appearance followed her disastrous meeting in the Oval Office last week. The Michigan governor had gone to see the president for what she described as a private meeting. But the meeting led to an awkward moment in the Oval Office, where Whitmer was left stood in front of cameras as Trump signed an executive order targeting a critic and repeated his debunked claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
A New York Times photographer captured her at one point shielding her face with folders.
In a statement, Whitmer’s office said the governor was brought into the Oval Office in front of the press “without any notice” and emphasized that her presence was not an “endorsement of the actions taken or statements” made at that event.
But Whitmer receive much backlash, some Democrats accusing her of “appeasement.”
This time, her team moved to get ahead of any fallout, confirming early Tuesday that she would be with Trump at the air base—”to support her troops and the long-standing effort she has made to secure support for Selfridge,” a spokesperson said. The statement emphasized that she would not attend Trump’s rally at Macomb Community College in Warren.
Whitmer also issued a series of social media posts meant to explain her scheduled meeting with Trump before it happened.
“I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about getting things done. But I’ll never compromise on what I believe,” she said on X. “In Michigan, we know how to get things done—and that means working together.”
She added: “Bipartisanship isn’t about sacrificing our values. It’s about standing strong and finding common ground to get things done. It’s about putting people first, every single time.”
What People Are Saying
Political organization 50501 said on Reddit: “I am livid. This is the second time she’s let him use her on camera. She openly said she wants to work with him. This is destructive enabling behavior lending legitimacy to a president who should be getting articles of impeachment daily.”
Tara Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, said on X: “It hurts my heart to say this, but Whitmer is disqualifying herself at this point. WHAT IS SHE DOING??????”
Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News, said on X: “Far right extremists tried to kidnap Whitmer. Trump himself later suggested it was a fake plot and mocked it. He called her ‘that woman in Michigan’ and led a crowd that chanted ‘lock her up.’ Today Whitmer hugged him on the tarmac. This is why Dems lose.”
Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, said on X: “It’s ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. She was there in her official capacity to support the men and women in uniform of the Michigan National Guard. What a stupid thing to be mad at.”
Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, said on X: “You won’t catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That’s the damn job. Get s**t done, improve people’s lives—f**k the politics.”
Gretchen Whitmer’s office said in a statement: “This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer. I appreciate the President’s partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense.”
What Happens Next
Whitmer is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028. But she has not yet said if she will run.
