Whitmer Declares ‘BFD’ Win for Michigan Following Joint Appearance with Trump on Stage
In reflecting on her Oval Office visit, Whitmer expressed regret, noting, “I wouldn’t have put my folder in front of my face.”
TroibNews 
Among the possible Democratic presidential candidates for 2028, Gretchen Whitmer has taken a significant gamble on a conciliatory stance towards President Donald Trump, believing it could benefit her politically.
This strategy appeared to bear fruit on Tuesday in Michigan, when Trump announced a new F-15 fighter mission at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. Whitmer’s office estimated that this initiative would bring about $850 million in economic benefits to the state — a key topic she had previously addressed during her visit to the Oval Office earlier this month, which was criticized and led to her covering her face with a folder.
However, on this occasion, Whitmer was not hiding. Instead, she shared the stage with Trump to celebrate what she referred to, in an interview with PMG, as “a BFD for my state.”
While on stage, Whitmer refrained from mentioning Trump by name, even though he remarked, “that’s the reason she came to see me: To save Selfridge.”
In a scenario reminiscent of her previous Oval Office visit — where she was unexpectedly brought in while Trump was signing executive orders against political rivals — Whitmer told the Michigan audience she “hadn’t planned to speak.”
Yet, she expressed her happiness about being there, stating she was “damn happy” to attend. Later, in her conversation with PMG, she acknowledged learning from her earlier meeting with the president.
“I wouldn’t have put my folder in front of my face, because that just gave people fodder,” Whitmer noted. “All the grief — this shows you why you put the people first. They see it, and it pays off. This announcement is such an important thing for Michigan and our economy.”
She further emphasized, “One of the things I hope people have learned about me is whether it is threats during a pandemic, or it is ridicule from an Oval Office meeting, I’m always putting people of Michigan first. I put the people of Michigan before my self-interest because that’s my job, and I take my job seriously.”
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order that would relieve automakers from certain tariffs, a move Whitmer had supported. While she called it “a step in the right direction,” she cautioned against viewing its economic effects as entirely positive for her state, which has a strong manufacturing presence.
“I still think uncertainty is really dangerous for the American economy. I still think tariffs with Canada and Mexico are counterintuitive and dangerous as well,” she stated.
Chris Meagher, a Democratic strategist and former adviser to Whitmer, said, “if people are going to give Gov. Whitmer grief for showing up in the Oval Office a couple of weeks ago, then they should also give her credit for getting the job done and delivering for the state of Michigan today.”
To put it in simpler terms, Whitmer expressed she was “pleased.”
The future of Whitmer’s political career is still uncertain. As she is term-limited next year and has chosen not to pursue a Senate seat, she commented in an interview, “that’s not something I wanted to do.”
When asked about her potential presidential aspirations — coinciding with Gina Raimondo’s recent remarks to David Axelrod about considering a run in 2028 — Whitmer laughed.
“Oh God — you know what, I’m going to stay focused on doing my job until the day I walk out the door, and then I’d like to take some time with my family,” she replied. “I don’t know what’s next for me. I really don’t.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
This strategy appeared to bear fruit on Tuesday in Michigan, when Trump announced a new F-15 fighter mission at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. Whitmer’s office estimated that this initiative would bring about $850 million in economic benefits to the state — a key topic she had previously addressed during her visit to the Oval Office earlier this month, which was criticized and led to her covering her face with a folder.
However, on this occasion, Whitmer was not hiding. Instead, she shared the stage with Trump to celebrate what she referred to, in an interview with PMG, as “a BFD for my state.”
While on stage, Whitmer refrained from mentioning Trump by name, even though he remarked, “that’s the reason she came to see me: To save Selfridge.”
In a scenario reminiscent of her previous Oval Office visit — where she was unexpectedly brought in while Trump was signing executive orders against political rivals — Whitmer told the Michigan audience she “hadn’t planned to speak.”
Yet, she expressed her happiness about being there, stating she was “damn happy” to attend. Later, in her conversation with PMG, she acknowledged learning from her earlier meeting with the president.
“I wouldn’t have put my folder in front of my face, because that just gave people fodder,” Whitmer noted. “All the grief — this shows you why you put the people first. They see it, and it pays off. This announcement is such an important thing for Michigan and our economy.”
She further emphasized, “One of the things I hope people have learned about me is whether it is threats during a pandemic, or it is ridicule from an Oval Office meeting, I’m always putting people of Michigan first. I put the people of Michigan before my self-interest because that’s my job, and I take my job seriously.”
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order that would relieve automakers from certain tariffs, a move Whitmer had supported. While she called it “a step in the right direction,” she cautioned against viewing its economic effects as entirely positive for her state, which has a strong manufacturing presence.
“I still think uncertainty is really dangerous for the American economy. I still think tariffs with Canada and Mexico are counterintuitive and dangerous as well,” she stated.
Chris Meagher, a Democratic strategist and former adviser to Whitmer, said, “if people are going to give Gov. Whitmer grief for showing up in the Oval Office a couple of weeks ago, then they should also give her credit for getting the job done and delivering for the state of Michigan today.”
To put it in simpler terms, Whitmer expressed she was “pleased.”
The future of Whitmer’s political career is still uncertain. As she is term-limited next year and has chosen not to pursue a Senate seat, she commented in an interview, “that’s not something I wanted to do.”
When asked about her potential presidential aspirations — coinciding with Gina Raimondo’s recent remarks to David Axelrod about considering a run in 2028 — Whitmer laughed.
“Oh God — you know what, I’m going to stay focused on doing my job until the day I walk out the door, and then I’d like to take some time with my family,” she replied. “I don’t know what’s next for me. I really don’t.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
