Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) had new images from a surprise visit to the Oval Office that surfaced on Saturday, according to a report by the New York Times. During a press session, President Trump showcased her to lawmakers while masking her identity.
A Michigan Democrat unexpectedly brightened the atmosphere by entering the room to sign presidential orders on Wednesday before a previously arranged closed-door meeting. Their agenda included discussions on tariffs and potential investments in Michigan’s defense infrastructures, such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“The governor was taken aback to discover she was at the Oval Office while President Trump held a press conference without prior notice,” stated a spokesperson for Whitmer to News Nation, a sister outlet of The Hill earlier this week.
“Her attendance does not signify approval of any actions or comments made during the event,” her office further clarified.
In Wednesday’s image captured by Times photographer Eric Lee, Whitmer is pictured standing beneath paintings of Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Positioned behind the White House press corps, Whitmer listened as Trump reiterated his unverified assertion that the 2020 election was “rigged.” He signed a memo aimed at two officials from the previous administration who had criticized him.
“We accomplished something remarkable in that election, so observe the situation of our country. Our borders are open, and millions of people are entering our nation,” Trump relayed to journalists in the room, echoing his usual rhetoric.
Whitmer was present during the media event. The Democratic governor has been considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race and previously met with Trump in March to discuss job growth in Michigan.
On that same Wednesday, Whitmer condemned Trump for his extensive tariffs, explaining the negative impact they have had during tough times for her state’s automotive sector in her Washington speech.
She also expressed her support for the president’s proposed three-month tax suspension.
“As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m not against tariffs, but they are blunt instruments. You can’t wield a tariff hammer to solve every issue without a clearly defined objective,” she articulated during her address this week.
