A 'disaster': Gretchen Whitmer's talk on tariffs and meeting with Trump anger fellow Democrats

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Navigates Political Crosscurrents Amidst White House Speculation

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who initially gained office promising to address the state’s infrastructure challenges, is now facing early political tests that could influence her trajectory, particularly as speculation about a potential 2028 White House campaign intensifies. Recent events in Washington D.C., where she engaged with former President Donald Trump, have sparked debate and revealed potential vulnerabilities as she seeks to broaden her national profile.

Navigating Tariffs and Trump: Common Ground and Democratic Discord

During a visit to Washington D.C., Whitmer’s policy address, intended to outline a “consistent national strategy,” appeared to find alignment with viewpoints previously expressed by President Donald Trump. While critical of the fluctuating nature of Trump’s tariff policies, she conveyed an understanding of his underlying motivations for employing them, stating she was not “outright” against tariffs in principle. This stance immediately drew criticism from fellow Democrat Governor Jared Polis of Colorado.

Polis, a potential presidential contender himself, countered on social media platform X, arguing, “Tariffs are inherently detrimental, leading to inflated prices and damaging American manufacturing. Mutually beneficial trade is fundamental for economic prosperity.”

Oval Office Encounter Sparks Controversy

Later that same Wednesday, Whitmer’s itinerary included a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, ostensibly to discuss matters pertinent to Michigan. However, the planned private discussion took an unexpected turn.

Governor Whitmer was present as Trump proceeded to sign executive orders, including directives for Justice Department investigations into former administration officials who had criticized his false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Trump reiterated these unfounded claims during the event.

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Invited into the Oval Office alongside Michigan State House Speaker Matt Hall, a Republican, Whitmer stood by as Trump engaged with the press and formalized the executive orders. Photographs captured Whitmer in a seemingly awkward posture as the events unfolded.

Trump publicly commended Whitmer, stating, “She’s really done an excellent job. Very good person.” While substantive discussions regarding Michigan’s concerns did occur, her mere presence at what became a bipartisan photo opportunity, coinciding with actions against political adversaries, generated unease and bewilderment among Democratic allies.

One Democratic strategist, expressing admiration for Whitmer but requesting anonymity, described the situation as a “f—ing disaster,” suggesting it “diminishes some of her previously perceived momentum as a politically astute swing-state Democrat.”

Damage Control and Party Reactions

Whitmer’s team responded swiftly to mitigate the burgeoning fallout and address growing criticism within Democratic circles.

A spokesperson for Governor Whitmer issued a statement clarifying, “The governor was surprised to be brought into the Oval Office during President Trump’s press conference without prior notification of the agenda.” The statement further emphasized, “Her presence should not be construed as an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made during the event.”

Whitmer’s National Stature and 2028 Considerations

Within the Democratic Party, Governor Whitmer is widely regarded as a prominent figure. As a two-term governor of a crucial battleground state, she secured a resounding re-election victory and was a serious contender for the Vice Presidential nomination in 2020. Her public profile significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitmer is frequently mentioned among a select group of Democratic governors with potential presidential aspirations in 2028.

However, unlike some contemporaries, Whitmer has opted for a more collaborative approach with Trump during his post-presidency period. Recognizing Trump’s electoral success in Michigan in the previous election, Whitmer positions herself as a center-left moderate representing a Midwestern constituency that may be receptive to Trump’s messaging, particularly concerning manufacturing and trade policy.

In her Washington address, Whitmer advocated for deregulation and increased domestic production. She also decried “partisanship” as pervasive and “exhausting.”

“Let’s empower hardworking individuals to achieve a better quality of life,” she urged. “And let’s strive towards, as President Trump articulated, a ‘Golden Age’ of American manufacturing.”

Notably, she differentiated herself from Trump regarding recently announced and partially suspended tariffs, characterizing them as detrimental with “higher costs, fewer jobs and more uncertainty.”

“I grasp the underlying rationale for tariffs, and this is an area of agreement between President Trump and myself,” she stated. “We must enhance American manufacturing across sectors, from automobiles and semiconductors to steel and shipbuilding. Fair trade is essential.”

Whitmer’s tariff position contrasts with other potential Democratic presidential aspirants, such as Polis and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who have vocally criticized Trump’s tariff measures.

During a subsequent Q&A session, Whitmer acknowledged the reservations within the Democratic Party regarding cooperation with Trump. However, she defended her approach, stating, “I swore an oath to the people of Michigan to diligently pursue beneficial outcomes for the state.”

Regarding tariffs, Whitmer admitted to lacking a fully developed alternative strategy to Trump’s, suggesting they should be applied with greater precision as a “scalpel.”

A national Democratic strategist observed, “It reflects poorly on Whitmer and her team’s judgment to lack a clear tariff strategy and then to enter the White House setting and be manipulated by Donald Trump. The visual of her presence as he issues politically motivated executive orders and reiterates claims of a rigged 2020 election is damaging.”

Spokesperson Clarifies Tariff Position and Meeting Outcomes

Whitmer’s spokesperson emphasized her areas of divergence with Trump on tariff policy, rather than common ground.

“Earlier that day, the governor delivered a speech in Washington, D.C., highlighting the detrimental effects of tariffs on Michigan residents, including price increases, job losses, and retirement account impacts,” the spokesperson stated. “The subsequent announcement of a 90-day pause is a positive step offering relief to numerous businesses statewide. However, concerns persist regarding tariffs that could harm American automotive companies.”

Bipartisan Concerns and Future Implications

Whitmer and Hall’s intended discussions with Trump focused on federal investment in Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base, recovery from a recent severe ice storm, and strategies to manage invasive Asian carp in Lake Michigan. Whitmer’s team and allies portrayed the meeting as productive in these areas.

“Governor Whitmer expressed gratitude to President Trump for his commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes from invasive carp, his support for Selfridge, and his receptiveness to addressing northern Michigan’s needs,” her spokesperson conveyed.

A Democratic official with prior experience working with Whitmer affirmed her effectiveness as an advocate for Michigan. “President Trump demonstrably listens to and considers her perspectives,” the official noted. “This was evident today on the tariff issue and the progress achieved on Selfridge and other matters she raised.”

However, the political ramifications of Whitmer’s visit extended beyond Democratic circles. Some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction, viewing it as an unwarranted endorsement of a political opponent in a critical electoral state.

“Trump just undermined Michigan Republicans by praising Whitmer,” a Michigan-based Republican strategist texted. “She is a potential 2028 contender against him, WTF.”

From “That Woman From Michigan” to Oval Office

The evolving dynamic between Trump and Whitmer – with two meetings in less than two months – represents a notable shift. Trump featured prominently in Whitmer’s recent memoir, their adversarial relationship forming a significant portion of the opening chapter, titled “Don’t Let the Bullies Get You Down.”

Whitmer recounted Trump’s dismissive “that woman from Michigan” label in response to her criticisms of his pandemic leadership. Whitmer and her team embraced the moniker, incorporating it into progressive merchandise.

“The key to confronting bullies is to repurpose their weapon as your shield,” Whitmer wrote. “Each time Trump assigned me a nickname, I adopted it.”

This historical context created cognitive dissonance for some observers during Wednesday’s events.

“Whitmer’s potential candidacy was harmed today,” asserted a Democratic strategist. “Her demeanor in the Oval Office appeared apprehensive. That visual impression will endure, as will the image of Trump praising her while enacting executive orders targeting his critics.”

Another Democratic operative suggested Whitmer’s speech functioned as a de facto “opening salvo” for a presidential campaign.

“Among Democrats, there is a prevailing sense of absolutism regarding Trump – you are either entirely against him or not sufficiently opposed,” this individual commented. “However, for a Midwestern governor, there are valid instances to support tariffs.”

This operative expressed surprise at Polis’s public criticism, interpreting it as an early indication that “2028 is on the horizon.” Yet, Whitmer’s Oval Office appearance remained perplexing.

“Overall, it seemed suboptimal,” the operative concluded. “The photograph of her looking uncomfortable in the corner, the awkward exchange—the entire episode seemed illogical. What prompted it? Whose initiative was it?”

Balancing State Interests and National Perceptions

Despite the national political implications, Whitmer can emphasize tangible benefits for Michigan arising from her engagements with Trump, aligning with her pledge to bipartisan collaboration to achieve results for her state.

However, the national narrative surrounding her visit will likely diverge significantly.

“On a local level, it was ostensibly a successful visit,” the operative summarized, referencing the Michigan-specific issues addressed—before returning to the executive order spectacle. “Yet, at the national level, the reaction is more likely to be, ‘What just transpired?’”

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