Michigan’s Whitmer Backs Trump Tariff Goals, Shows Strategic Shift/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer struck a bipartisan tone, aligning with President Trump on boosting American manufacturing during her “Build, America, Build” speech. While expressing cautious support for tariffs, she urged a more strategic approach. Whitmer’s evolving stance reflects a shift in political strategy as speculation grows about her national ambitions.
Bipartisan Manufacturing Strategy Quick Looks
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer signals agreement with Trump on reshoring American manufacturing
- Cautiously supports tariffs but calls for more strategic implementation
- Emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and long-term industrial policy
- Distances herself from more confrontational Democratic governors
- Address comes ahead of private meeting and dinner with President Trump
- Political positioning stirs 2028 presidential speculation
Michigan’s Whitmer Backs Trump Tariff Goals, Shows Strategic Shift
Deep Look
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Shows Strategic Shift, Echoes Trump on Economic Policy
LANSING, Mich. — In a striking shift from her previously confrontational stance, Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a speech on Tuesday that aligned her, at least in part, with President Donald Trump’s economic agenda — particularly on the subject of American manufacturing and tariffs.
Speaking just hours before her scheduled face-to-face meeting with Trump, Whitmer laid out a framework for national economic growth during her “Build, America, Build” address. Her remarks signaled a notable pivot toward a more centrist, bipartisan message as she navigates a politically divided Michigan and considers her future in national politics.
Framing her plan as a “blueprint for success,” Whitmer emphasized the importance of revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and bringing back production capabilities to American soil. In doing so, she acknowledged a key point of agreement with the former — and now reelected — president.
“I understand the motivation behind the tariffs,” Whitmer said, nodding to Trump’s aggressive trade policies. “We do need to make more stuff in America.” However, she stopped short of a full endorsement, calling tariffs a “blunt tool” that requires a defined strategy, rather than broad application.
The speech, originally postponed due to severe weather in northern Michigan, came just ahead of her second private meeting with Trump in less than a month. Their interactions have increased in frequency, including a recent White House dinner where Whitmer was seated next to the president — further evidence of a warmer relationship evolving between the two.
Trump’s latest round of announced tariffs could have significant consequences for Michigan’s economy, particularly the state’s massive automotive industry, which relies heavily on trade with Canada, Mexico, and overseas partners. Whitmer said she plans to discuss these implications not only with Trump but also with members of his Cabinet during her visit to Washington.
In a panel following her speech, moderated by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, Whitmer reiterated her pragmatic approach. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” she said. “My oath to the people of Michigan is to continue to show up, even when it means I’m going to get my lunch handed to me.”
This balanced approach sets her apart from other Democratic governors with national profiles, such as Illinois’ JB Pritzker and California’s Gavin Newsom. Both have vocally criticized Trump’s tariff decisions this week, with Newsom even appealing to global allies to spare California from retaliatory trade actions. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro — from a state Trump carried in 2024 — has taken a more confrontational stance, accusing Trump of endangering the livelihoods of American farmers.
Whitmer, by contrast, seems to be embracing a middle ground. She recognizes Trump’s goals on trade and industry while advocating for a more deliberate and data-driven method to achieve them.
“There’s no shortcut here,” she said in her speech. “Strategic reindustrialization must be a bipartisan project that spans multiple presidential administrations.”
She argued that tariffs should be targeted specifically at sectors America aims to dominate, such as advanced technology and semiconductor manufacturing — a sentiment she emphasized as part of a broader vision for American economic independence.
Although Whitmer has publicly stated she is not planning a 2028 presidential run, her recent national engagements, including trade-focused travel and increased Washington visits, continue to fuel speculation. Her 2024 efforts to support Democratic candidates further raised her profile within the party.
Still, Whitmer remains focused on her current role as governor, even as her term limits approach.
“This year and in the years to come — no matter who’s in the White House — let’s bet on American workers. Let’s bring chip manufacturing back home. Let’s dominate the seas and own the skies. Let’s innovate and let’s build,” she said in closing.
Her comments reflect not just a political recalibration, but a strategic move toward building credibility as a pragmatic leader capable of working across the aisle. Whether she remains in state leadership or ascends to the national stage, Whitmer’s tone signals a new phase in her political career — one where bipartisan cooperation may be key to her future success.
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