Whitmer Embraces Trump Amid Backlash, Secures Fighter Jets for Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, has faced criticism from some in her party for working with President Donald Trump to secure an expansion of Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The collaboration, which included a public hug and bipartisan praise during Trump's visit to Michigan, culminated in the announcement that 20 new F-15EX fighter jets would be stationed at the base, a move expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. While Whitmer and her allies see the deal as a major victory for Michigan, the visible cooperation with Trump has sparked backlash among progressive Democrats who prefer a more confrontational stance. Whitmer has defended her actions as putting the state's interests first, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan efforts to achieve tangible outcomes for Michigan residents. The episode highlights broader divisions within the Democratic Party over how to engage with Trump, especially as both local and national political ambitions come into play.