Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, remarked on Thursday that President Donald Trump has played a role in advancing the state’s goals, specifically citing the successful acquisition of fighter jets that she had previously sought but couldn’t secure under the Biden administration.
On a podcast with Gavin Newsom, she mentioned, “This is Gavin Newsom.” She highlighted that her state had voted for Trump again and expressed the need to consider her options after the 2024 presidential election.
Newsom acknowledged Whitmer’s meeting at the White House, with both agreeing that collaborating with the president is an integral part of their roles.
“We’ve got a really good one, to be honest,” she noted. “I worked on the fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and tried to finalize it during the Biden years, but it didn’t happen then. With Trump, though, we got it done. So this is a big deal for Michigan.”
Efforts to reach the office of former President Joe Biden for comment were unsuccessful.
It seems Whitmer is referencing Mission Next, which will introduce 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighters to replace the aging A-10 Warthog aircraft at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
This initiative is part of a modernization effort at the National Guard base. According to a National Guard website, it includes upgrades to infrastructure that will foster job creation and new training possibilities.
In April 2025, President Trump mentioned details about the fighter jet initiative during a speech to National Guard personnel in Michigan, marking his 100th day in office.
“It’s fresh off the line, which means it’s brand new,” Trump remarked then. “They’ve never been anywhere. I saw one flying overhead and thought, ‘What the hell is that?’ There’s some serious power in that plane. This is the best you’ll find anywhere in the world, the F-15EX Eagle II. This will keep Selfridge at the forefront of North American air power.”
White House Press Secretary Olivia Wales commented on Friday, stating, “While Joe Biden’s policies neglected our military, President Trump saved Selfridge Air National Guard Base, a cornerstone of North American air defense, and revitalized our military’s readiness.”
“With Trump as commander in chief, the U.S. military will continue to lead globally in power, prestige, and strength,” Wales added. “Trump won Michigan in 2024 and will keep fulfilling his promises to all Michiganders.”
During her discussion with Newsom, Whitmer indicated that she knows how to collaborate with individuals who aren’t necessarily her allies, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Whitmer made headlines in April 2025 for allegedly trying to hide her face during a photo op with the president in the Oval Office.
Reflecting on that experience later, she said she just didn’t want her picture taken, acknowledging she placed a folder in front of her face and adding, “I wish I hadn’t done that, but whatever. I was there… I just recently wrote a book about learning to laugh at myself, so I’m pretty good at that. Everyone has those moments.”
Trump has referred to Whitmer as a “very good person” and commended her despite their past disagreements.
However, the White House critiqued the Democratic governor in April when a local steel company announced its plans to invest $43.4 million in expanding its Michigan operations.
White House Press Secretary Khush Desai remarked earlier this year, “Democrats like Gretchen Whitmer have been discussing for years how to fix broken trade agreements and generate manufacturing jobs for American workers.” This was in reference to Whitmer, who has been considered a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. “President Trump is delivering real results, driven by an agenda of tariffs and deregulation.”
