Whitmer, Trump Discuss Selfridge, Tariffs Amid Praise

Governor Gretchen Whitmer met with President Trump in the Oval Office to discuss several key issues impacting Michigan, including the recent ice storm, defense assets, tariffs, and the protection of the Great Lakes. During the meeting, Trump offered rare praise for Whitmer, acknowledging her efforts in keeping the Selfridge Air National Guard Base operational and expressing support for Michigan's shipbuilding industry. Whitmer had previously delivered a speech criticizing Trump's tariff policies, which she argued were adversely affecting Michigan's economy. Following the meeting, Trump announced a 90-day pause on certain tariffs, a move that Whitmer welcomed while still expressing concerns over the overall impact of tariffs on American auto companies. Despite the positive interactions, Whitmer clarified that her presence at Trump's press conference did not signify an endorsement of his actions. The meeting has sparked speculation about Whitmer's potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.