Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate for president in 2028, found herself at the center of online discussion following a meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House.
A photograph taken by the New York Times captured a brief moment where Whitmer appeared to momentarily obscure her face with a folder during the encounter within the Oval Office. The situation garnered considerable attention online, sparking jokes and commentary regarding her actions.
“Whitmer covering her face is the perfect metaphor for the Democratic Party,” one user remarked on X.
“Gretchen Whitmer hiding behind her files in the White House is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. This is what my 2 year old does,” another commented.
The meeting itself was focused on several key issues impacting Michigan. Whitmer, accompanied by Michigan State House Speaker Matt Hall and members of the Biden administration, met with Trump to discuss:
* Recovery efforts following a recent ice storm that affected many Michiganders
* Funding for the Selfridge Air National Guard base near Detroit
* Protection measures for the Great Lakes
* Concerns related to the state’s vital automotive industry.
Trump publicly acknowledged Whitmer’s presence, stating, “We’re honored to have Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, great state of Michigan. And, she’s been she’s really done an excellent job. And a very good person.”
Whitmer later explained that she had anticipated a private meeting with the former president and was surprised by the impromptu press conference.
Beyond these immediate concerns, Whitmer delivered a speech titled “Build, America, Build,” advocating for bipartisan collaboration to bolster American manufacturing. The discussion also included tariffs impacting Michigan’s economy, particularly its reliance on trade with Canada and Mexico. While acknowledging the intent behind tariffs, Whitmer expressed reservations about their broad application.
“I understand the motivation behind the tariffs, and I can tell you, here’s where President Trump and I do agree. We do need to make more stuff in America,” she stated.
“I’m not against tariffs outright, but it is a blunt tool. You can’t just pull out the tariff hammer to swing at every problem without a clear defined end-goal.”
Whitmer’s nuanced approach on the issue of tariffs differs from that taken by some other Democratic governors also considered potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination, such as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Her position is complicated by representing a state with a divided legislature and which supported Trump in two out of the last three elections.
The former president announced a pause on tariffs during the meeting, with exceptions for China.
