Formerly calling her the ‘woman in Michigan', Trump praises Whitmer during Oval Office visit
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed several executive orders including directing the 'repeal of unlawful regulations' and reducing 'anti-competitive regulatory barriers.' Earlier today, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the full effect of his new tariffs for dozens of countries with the exception of China. (Photo by)
President Donald Trump appeared to change his tune when it comes to Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday.
The Republican president and Democratic governor had engaged in years of public condemnations of one another's policies mainly starting during the COVID-19 pandemic when Trump zeroed in on Whitmer in 2020 as 'the woman in Michigan…way in over her head' as she instituted stay-at-home orders during the pandemic to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
But on Wednesday, Trump hosted Whitmer in the Oval Office as an 'honored' guest as he signed an executive order to address the issue of invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes, saying Whitmer is a 'very good person' who has done 'an excellent job' in Michigan. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) was also present and thanked Trump for his advocacy on the issue.
Whitmer, who participated in former President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 campaign as a vocal Democrat, has often denounced Trump over his abortion policies and other platforms, making her recent actions engaging his administration unexpected for many.
Last month, Whitmer used her annual State of the State Address to say she hopes to 'find common ground with President Trump' for the good of the state of Michigan which has a strong history of operating at a state level with a partisanly split government.
Through the years Whitmer has taken criticisms and hot mic moments in stride, accepting titles like 'Big Gretch' and has become one of the most influential elected officials in the Democratic Party, with speculations that she'll make a run for the presidency in 2028.
Earlier in the day Wednesday, Whitmer delivered a speech in Washington D.C. calling for a carveout in Trump's tariffs that have caused economic upheaval in order to allow the auto and energy industries to be resilient towards anticipated economic losses. When asked about possible presidential ambitions, Whitmer dismissed the notion.
'No, no. This is my way of saying —this is similar to speeches that I've given in Michigan too, by the way — this is, I think, a blueprint for success,' she said.
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