LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to the podium on Wednesday to deliver a speech that not only called for a unified vision on American manufacturing but also subtly reflected her more diplomatic approach toward President Donald Trump. The speech, titled “Build, America, Build,” sought to find common ground with the Republican president, a shift from the governor’s previous stance as a vocal critic of his administration.
Framed as a “blueprint for success,” Whitmer’s address emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation in bolstering U.S. manufacturing, particularly in industries vital to Michigan’s economy, like the automotive sector. While the Democratic governor did not shy away from offering a nuanced critique of Trump’s economic policies, she acknowledged areas where their priorities aligned.
“I understand the motivation behind the tariffs, and here’s where President Trump and I do agree. We do need to make more stuff in America,” Whitmer stated. She went on to express her reservations about the effectiveness of tariffs, calling them a “blunt tool” and suggesting that such policies should be implemented with a clear end goal in mind.
The speech came just hours before Whitmer was set to meet with Trump for the second time in less than a month. The meeting, which followed a White House dinner where the governor and president sat side by side, was expected to center on trade policy and the impact of new tariffs—an issue particularly significant to Michigan, where industries rely heavily on trade with neighboring Canada and Mexico.
Whitmer, who once harshly criticized Trump throughout his first term and during the 2024 campaign, has adopted a more measured tone in recent months. As her party intensifies its criticisms of the president, Whitmer has opted to focus on “common ground,” a strategy that allows her to advocate for Michigan’s interests while maintaining a seat at the table for dialogue.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” Whitmer quipped during a discussion following her speech, highlighting her commitment to engage with the president, even when the political stakes are high. “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,” she added.
Whitmer’s diplomatic tone stands in stark contrast to other prominent Democratic governors who have been outspoken in their opposition to Trump’s policies. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has consistently criticized the new tariffs, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has appealed directly to international partners to shield his state from retaliatory measures. Even Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, whose state voted for Trump in 2024, has voiced concerns over the president’s economic moves.
Whitmer’s position, however, is complicated by Michigan’s divided state legislature and its history of supporting Trump in two of the last three presidential elections. This political landscape necessitates a more pragmatic approach, one that seeks to balance party loyalty with the economic needs of her state.
In her address, Whitmer reiterated her opposition to an indiscriminate use of tariffs but expressed optimism about the potential for strategic reindustrialization. She called for a bipartisan approach to revitalizing American manufacturing, with a focus on technology and industries that are critical to the future of the economy. “There’s no shortcut here,” she remarked, emphasizing that such a shift would require sustained effort over multiple presidential administrations.
Despite her increased visibility on the national stage, particularly following a year of extensive campaigning for fellow Democrats, Whitmer has repeatedly insisted that she is not positioning herself for a presidential run in 2028. Yet, her rhetoric and engagement with national issues continue to fuel speculation about her future political ambitions.
In closing, Whitmer issued a rallying cry for American workers, urging a commitment to reinvest in U.S. manufacturing. “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.
As Whitmer approaches the end of her term in office, her careful balancing act between critique and cooperation with the Trump administration suggests that she may continue to play a key role in shaping Michigan’s future and, possibly, the broader political landscape in the years to come.
