Whitmer Acknowledges Trump’s Contribution to Michigan’s Progress

On Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, acknowledged that President Donald Trump has played a significant role in advancing her state’s goals, especially regarding military missions that she struggled to secure during the Biden administration.

In a podcast conversation with Gavin Newsom, she noted, “This is Gavin Newsom.” She mentioned that Michigan voters supported Trump again and that she’s contemplating her next steps following the 2024 presidential election.

Newsom pointed out Whitmer’s visit to the White House, suggesting that collaborating with the president is just part of the job. Whitmer replied, “We’ve got a really good one, to be honest. I took the fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and tried to get it done under the Biden administration, but we didn’t get to cross the finish line. Yet with him, we succeeded. So, this is a huge deal for the state of Michigan.”

Whitmer’s comments appear to refer to Mission Next, an initiative that plans to replace the aging A-10 Warthog aircraft with new F-15EX Eagle II fighters stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This effort is part of a modernization strategy aimed at enhancing the base’s capabilities and creating job opportunities through infrastructure improvements.

President Trump unveiled details regarding this fighter jet mission in April 2025 during a speech to National Guard members in Michigan, emphasizing the advanced nature of the new planes. He stated, “It’s fresh off the line, which means it’s brand new… This is the best thing you’ll find anywhere in the world, the F-15EX Eagle II. This would keep Selfridge at the forefront of North American air power.”

Responding to the situation, White House press secretary Olivia Wales remarked that Trump’s leadership had strengthened the military and revitalized Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is crucial for North America’s defense. She asserted that with Trump at the helm, the U.S. military would remain a global leader.

Whitmer also conveyed that she’s learned how to manage relationships, even with those she might not agree with fully. She previously made headlines after a somewhat awkward moment during a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, where she attempted to avoid being photographed. “I didn’t want my picture taken. That was it,” she reflected. “I just wrote a book about learning how to laugh at myself, so I’m pretty good at that. Everybody has their moments.”

Interestingly, Trump recognized Whitmer as a “very good person,” acknowledging their past disagreements. The exchange illustrates a complicated but pragmatic relationship between a Democratic governor and a Republican president, highlighting the occasionally odd dynamics that play out in politics.

However, the White House had criticized Whitmer earlier this year when a local steel company announced plans for a significant investment in Michigan operations. This led to the administration emphasizing that while Democrats have long discussed revitalizing American manufacturing, Trump is the one delivering tangible outcomes through his policies.