Michigan Loses $55B Semiconductor Plant, Whitmer Cites Economic Uncertainty

Plans for a multibillion-dollar semiconductor manufacturing plant near Flint, Michigan, proposed by Sandisk Corp., have been canceled, dealing a severe blow to the state's economic development efforts. Governor Gretchen Whitmer attributed the collapse to "massive economic uncertainty" driven by national turmoil and the threat of higher tariffs under President Donald Trump's administration, although she did not name Trump directly. The project was expected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs and was considered a transformational investment for the region, supported by over $260 million in state funding to prepare the 1,300-acre site. While the Trump administration highlights its success in attracting semiconductor investments in other states like Texas and Arizona, Whitmer and other Democrats argue that the administration's tariff policies have undermined long-term investments and contributed to the loss of the Michigan project. Republicans counter that Whitmer failed to make Michigan competitive enough to secure the deal. Despite this setback, Whitmer pledged to continue efforts to bring advanced manufacturing and economic prosperity to Michigan before leaving office.