Former President Trump said Saturday he wants to face Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, as some Democrats call for Biden to drop out of the presidential race.
“We have a terrible governor here who’s done a terrible job – Whitmer,” Trump said during a campaign stop in Grand Rapids, Mich. “I want to run against her.”
He also reminded attendees of an instance during the COVID-19 pandemic when Governor Whitmer’s husband tried to use his proximity to the governor to get his boat docked in time for Memorial Day, during the period Governor Whitmer was warning residents. I head to the lake.
Governor Whitmer later spoke about the incident at a press conference, saying she “wishes this never had to happen” and that it was a “failed attempt at humor.”
“Her husband was sailing in the middle of your lake. Your beautiful lake. He was sailing out there. Everybody else had to be locked up,” Trump said at the rally.
“No, she did a terrible job, but I guess I’m very happy for her,” he added.
Whitmer is one of several Democrats who have emerged as possible candidates to replace Biden amid lingering questions about his fitness to run for president, and the Michigan governor has denied speculation she is seeking a presidential run in this election.
The former president also quipped about the uncertainty over who the Democrats’ presidential nominee will be, saying, “Number one, they have no idea who their candidate is. And neither do we. And that’s the problem.”
Trump was not the only one to criticize Governor Whitmer. Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), also criticized the Michigan governor, calling her a “problem child,” while introducing Trump.
