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Axios
05-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Selfridge mission unites old foes Whitmer, Trump
The new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a big win for Michigan's economy, highlighting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's evolving relationship with President Trump. Why it matters: Prior to Trump's announcement last week that Selfridge will receive new fighter aircraft, the base's future — and the 30,000 jobs it supports — was uncertain because its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron will be retired beginning in 2026. State of play: Selfridge will receive about 20 F-15EXs — a next-generation fighter aircraft — to replace the A-10s beginning in fiscal year 2028. Meanwhile, the A-10's retirement will happen gradually over the next several years, resulting in the loss of about 300 part-time and 25 full-time jobs. Whitmer said she is hopeful the new mission will minimize job losses, the Detroit News reported. What they're saying: Trump made the announcement last Tuesday during a visit to the base on Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, about 30 miles northeast of Detroit. "I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense," Trump said. Context: Selfridge's location is ideal for the new aircraft to fly over the Arctic toward Asia and other locations, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, told the Macomb Daily. Between the lines: Despite their previous disagreements, Whitmer has taken a more cooperative approach during Trump's second term. Her strategy — in contrast to more combative Democratic governors — made news last month when Whitmer hid her face with file folders while being photographed in the Oval Office. Whitmer later explained that she simply didn't want her picture taken: "That's all it was. I kinda wish I hadn't put my folder up in front of my face. But whatever." The latest: The Selfridge expansion outweighs any distress Whitmer endured in working with Trump to make it happen, the New York Times reports. "The fact that we got it done — all the grief is worth it," she told the Times. "The people of Michigan elected me twice because they know whether it's threats or pundits ridiculing me for going to the White House, I'm always going to stand up for the people of Michigan."
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Gretchen Whitmer Speaking at Trump Rally Sparks Fury: 'Enabling Behavior'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing intense backlash after making a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump rally. Newsweek has contacted Whitmer's office for comment via email. Why It Matters Whitmer, who is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028, has come under scrutiny from Democrats in recent weeks for cultivating a closer working relationship with Trump. Her party is divided over whether to engage with the White House or not as they seek to win back the House and the Senate in 2026, and the presidency in 2028. Her appearance will likely further isolate Democrats who regard Trump as a toxic figure and are frustrated with what they see as their party's inability to stand up to him, but Whitmer has repeatedly defended her bipartisan approach, saying that she's willing to work with anyone committed to getting results but won't compromise her core beliefs. What To Know Whitmer joined Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County on Tuesday. There had been fears that the base could close, but this week, those fears appeared to be quashed when Trump said he would "save Selfridge," announcing new fighter jets for the base. President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. Alex Brandon/AP For decades, Trump said at the air base, Selfridge has "stood as a crucial pillar of North American air defense." "In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. They've been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump," he said. "Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridge's future." Whitmer and other Michigan officials have long pushed for a new fighter mission at the base, warning that the planned retirement of the A-10 fleet could severely impact Macomb County's economy. The base contributes an estimated $850 million annually to Michigan's economy and supports around 30,000 jobs. Whitmer has lobbied both the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting Selfridge's legacy with fighter aircraft and its strategic location near an international border, making it ideal for future missions. Following Trump's announcement, the president brought Whitmer onstage, seemingly catching her off guard. "Well, I hadn't planned to speak, but I'm—on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably, on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy. It's crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said. The two even shared a hug. "I was the first one he greeted. We shook hands and he leaned in to tell me, you know, congratulations and that I was a big reason that we were making an announcement today. And I was grateful for that," Whitmer told The Associated Press about the moment. But Whitmer's appearance at Trump's press conference has provoked backlash from progressives. A Reddit post from political group 50501 accused her of "destructive enabling behavior" and lending legitimacy to a president they believe should face impeachment. Tara Setmayer, co-founder of The Seneca Project, expressed her dismay on X, saying Whitmer is "disqualifying herself" with her recent actions. However, some defended Whitmer, including Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, who said on X: "It's ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base." Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, added: "You won't catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That's the damn job." In a statement after the event, Whitmer called the new fighter mission a "big, bipartisan win" and said she appreciated the President's partnership. She also told Politico that Trump's announcement was "an important thing for Michigan and our economy." Whitmer's appearance followed her disastrous meeting in the Oval Office last week. The Michigan governor had gone to see the president for what she described as a private meeting. But the meeting led to an awkward moment in the Oval Office, where Whitmer was left stood in front of cameras as Trump signed an executive order targeting a critic and repeated his debunked claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. A New York Times photographer captured her at one point shielding her face with folders. In a statement, Whitmer's office said the governor was brought into the Oval Office in front of the press "without any notice" and emphasized that her presence was not an "endorsement of the actions taken or statements" made at that event. But Whitmer receive much backlash, some Democrats accusing her of "appeasement." This time, her team moved to get ahead of any fallout, confirming early Tuesday that she would be with Trump at the air base—"to support her troops and the long-standing effort she has made to secure support for Selfridge," a spokesperson said. The statement emphasized that she would not attend Trump's rally at Macomb Community College in Warren. Whitmer also issued a series of social media posts meant to explain her scheduled meeting with Trump before it happened. "I'll work with anyone who's serious about getting things done. But I'll never compromise on what I believe," she said on X. "In Michigan, we know how to get things done—and that means working together." She added: "Bipartisanship isn't about sacrificing our values. It's about standing strong and finding common ground to get things done. It's about putting people first, every single time." What People Are Saying Political organization 50501 said on Reddit: "I am livid. This is the second time she's let him use her on camera. She openly said she wants to work with him. This is destructive enabling behavior lending legitimacy to a president who should be getting articles of impeachment daily." Tara Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, said on X: "It hurts my heart to say this, but Whitmer is disqualifying herself at this point. WHAT IS SHE DOING??????" Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News, said on X: "Far right extremists tried to kidnap Whitmer. Trump himself later suggested it was a fake plot and mocked it. He called her 'that woman in Michigan' and led a crowd that chanted 'lock her up.' Today Whitmer hugged him on the tarmac. This is why Dems lose." Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, said on X: "It's ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. She was there in her official capacity to support the men and women in uniform of the Michigan National Guard. What a stupid thing to be mad at." Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, said on X: "You won't catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That's the damn job. Get s**t done, improve people's lives—f**k the politics." Gretchen Whitmer's office said in a statement: "This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer. I appreciate the President's partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense." What Happens Next Whitmer is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028. But she has not yet said if she will run.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump delivers new fighter jets to Michigan base in surprise show of unity with Whitmer
The Brief Trump announced 21 new F-15EX fighter jets for a key US air base, securing its future. The move strengthens homeland defense and marks rare bipartisan praise from Trump to Whitmer. Selfridge Air National Guard Base had faced potential closure without a new mission. HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - President Donald Trump announced a major expansion of US air defense capabilities Tuesday, delivering a new fighter jet mission to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. The move will replace aging aircraft at the base with 21 F-15EX Eagle II jets—"fresh off the line," according to Trump—and ensure the base's continued operation after years of uncertainty. The announcement also marked a surprising political detente between Trump and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, one of his most vocal critics. Trump praised Whitmer as "very effective" in advocating for the base, while Whitmer expressed gratitude for the outcome without directly naming the president in her remarks. The backstory For years, Selfridge had been at risk of losing its operational relevance as its A-10 fleet approached retirement. Trump addressed those concerns directly, telling service members and supporters, "Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridge's future." He added, "In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. They've been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump." The new F-15EX jets represent one of the Air Force's most advanced platforms for homeland defense and strategic deterrence. The decision ensures that Selfridge, located near the US-Canada border, remains a key pillar in North American air defense. What they're saying Trump said Whitmer was instrumental in advocating for Selfridge's new mission, noting their conversation during a motorcade ride to the base. "She's been very effective," he said. Whitmer, in turn, called the mission "crucial for our homeland security and our future." Asked later about their much-discussed greeting, Whitmer told the Associated Press: "We shook hands and he leaned in to tell me, you know, congratulations and that I was a big reason that we were making an announcement today." The moment was noteworthy given the pair's historically adversarial relationship—and comes as Whitmer continues to raise her national profile. Big picture view The new fighter jet mission reinforces Trump's broader messaging around strengthening America's military and returning focus to homeland security. It also signals his willingness to reward state-level cooperation, even from Democratic leaders, when aligned with his defense priorities. Meanwhile, the announcement arrives as the US military continues to reassess domestic base operations, aging fleets, and readiness amid global tensions. Ensuring Selfridge's future preserves thousands of jobs and economic value—but more importantly, it reflects a broader investment in modernizing air defense infrastructure at home. Politically, the move could bolster Trump's image as a dealmaker ahead of a high-stakes midterm cycle, while giving Whitmer a bipartisan achievement in a deeply polarized era. What's next The successful push for Selfridge's recapitalization could set a precedent for other states lobbying to upgrade or preserve their own installations. With national defense strategies shifting toward high-tech deterrence and rapid response, bases like Selfridge may play a growing role in supporting those missions—especially as older aircraft are phased out nationwide. The Source This report is based on original reporting from the Associated Press and publicly available government statements. All quotes, statistics, and descriptions reflect information provided by verified news sources or official communications at the time of publication. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Whitmer greets Trump at Selflridge, President says ‘she's done a very good job'
The Brief President Donald Trump and Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke together on Tuesday at Selfridge. Trump announced 21 F-15 Eagle II fighter jets would be coming to Michigan to replace retiring A-10s. Trump said Whitmer was responsible for convincing him to see the need to keep Selfridge. In a far cry from 'the woman from Michigan', President Donald Trump on Tuesday credited Governor Gretchen Whitmer for bringing the urgent need of Selfridge Air National Guard Base to his attention as he announced 21 new fighter jets would be coming to the Macomb County air base. Whitmer met Trump as he exited Air Force One at Selfridge around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Wearing a Michigan National Guard hat, Whitmer shook hands with Trump before the president got into the waiting presidential limousine. After a short drive, Whitmer and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth entered the hangar at Selfridge first and stood to the side of the podium. A few minutes later, the President was introduce to cheers from the Michigan National Guard. "Thank you very much. It's an honor to be back in the great state of Michigan. And as you know, we had big victory in Michigan. And, I won't forget it. And I'm not forgetting it. And I'm honored to be here at Selfridge Air National Guard Base with the men and women of the 127th wing of the Michigan Air National Guard," Trump said. The president then went on to extol the work done by Whitmer to bring the need of Selfridge to his attention. According to Trump, the reason Whitmer traveled to the White House earlier this month was to push for the announcement he was going to make – that 21 F-15 Eagle II fighter jets would be coming to Macomb County to replace the outdated A-10 warthogs. "I heard about it recently from some people, including your governor, who was, done a very good job. She came to see me. That's the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge. And, she was very effective, along with some of the other politicians and some of the military people. They love this place. They love that what it stands for. All the victories they've had here over the years," Trump said. Whitmer and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall spoke with Trump in April in an Oval Office meeting that surprised many people after the two had a very public feud in 2020 with Trump referring to Whitmer as 'the woman from Michigan'. But time has changed and appears to have healed old wounds as Trump offered nothing but praise for the term-limited governor. "I want to thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for bringing it also to our attention very strongly. And, you know, I'm not supposed to do that. She's a Democrat. They say, don't do that. Don't have her here. I said, no, she's going to be here. She's done a very good job, frankly. And she's she was very much involved with, with the Republicans. They worked together on saving it. And it was not easy. So I want to thank you very much, Gretchen. Good job," he said. Trump also thanked Hall and Senate Republican leader Eric Nesbitt for their roles as well. "I want to thank all of the people that, I just mentioned, but in particular the, the you know, when I look at the House members, they have been, calling me all the time, can we got to get it done. And they worked along with Gretchen and some others," he said. With the praise and congratulations finished, Trump announced Selfridge would be home to 21 new fighter jets. "As commander in chief, I'm proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 warthogs with 21 brand new F-15 Eagle, two fighter jets, the best in the world. Fresh off the line. Brand new. Fresh off the line," Trump said. The announcement was met with a raucous applause from the guard behind him. "This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American air power," he said. "For generations, the men and women of Selfridge have always been here, and they've always been for us. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, they've always been for us. They've been for America. And under the Trump administration, we're going to be there for you," he said. Trump promised that Selfridge would be at the center of action and will also build submarines. "I just want to say we're building some of the greatest submarines and various other ships. But submarines in particular, we have a monopoly on great submarines. We're building the greatest and the most powerful machine ever built," Trump said. Hegseth spoke briefly, thanking Trump for his remarks and work and for 'restoring the warrior ethos'. Trump then asked Whitmer to speak as he gestured toward the podium. "Well, I hadn't planned to speak, but I'm on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan. I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy. It's crucial for the men and women here, for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I'm so, so grateful that this announcement was made today and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said. She shook hands with the president and returned to her spot as Hall took the podium. "This is the first time in decades where we can all say Selfridge is winning. We are winning because of you, President Trump. And I know all of these troops here will not let you down with this new fighter mission, which will keep Selfridge Air National Guard Base thriving for the next 30 to 40 years," Hall said. The Source FOX 2 was at Selfridge Air National Guard Base for the announcement.
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Business Standard
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trump secures future of Michigan air base with new fighter jet announcement
Trump delivered the news at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, shortly after arriving in Michigan for an evening rally marking his 100th day in office AP Michigan Republican President Donald Trump landed in Michigan on Tuesday and shared a hug with a longtime antagonist, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as they appeared together to announce a new fighter jet mission being placed at an Air National Guard base outside Detroit and ease fears that the installation could close. Trump delivered the news at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, shortly after arriving in Michigan for an evening rally marking his 100th day in office. He was joined by Whitmer, who has softened her stance toward Trump in hopes of finding common ground with securing a new mission for the base a top priority. For decades, Trump said the base has stood as a crucial pillar of North American air defence. In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. They've been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump," he said. Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridge's future. After Trump and Whitmer hugged upon the president disembarking Air Force One, she climbed in his motorcade to ride to the base. During his remarks, Trump said the governor has been very effective in advocating for the base. State officials had been pushing for years to replace the base's aging fleet of A-10 aircraft, which are set to be retired, to help ensure Selfridge remains in operation. Trump had suggested that new fighter jets could secure Selfridge's future, including the likes of F-16s or F-35s. Located 30 miles north of Detroit, the base generates an estimated $850 million in statewide economic impact and supports about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, according to the office of Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan. For years, Whitmer has pressed multiple administrations including Trump's first term and former Democratic President Joe Biden's to secure a new mission for the base, calling it a key defence hub and economic anchor. The Air Force announced in 2017 that Selfridge had lost out on a bid for F-35A Lightning. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled separately from the president to Selfrdige for the announcement. But military implications aside, Trump's announcement handed Whitmer a victory though it remains to be seen what political price she may have paid to secure it. The governor has been frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate. As she works to raise her profile nationally, Whitmer has vowed to find common ground with Trump where she can. But some Democrats view the president and his administration as so harmful that they'd rather see the party oppose Trump and his team whenever possible. Earlier this month, Whitmer travelled to Washington to meet with Trump to discuss Selfridge and other issues affecting Michigan, including the steep tariffs Trump has imposed on Canada and other US trading partners. The governor said she was unexpectedly ushered into the Oval Office, where she stood awkwardly as the Republican president signed executive orders and assailed his political opponents during a photo opportunity. At one point, a photo captured Whitmer trying to hide her face from the cameras by holding up a folder. Trump had told Whitmer during her visit that he hoped to keep the base open, strong, thriving. It's a great piece of property. It's a great location, and it's a great state," Trump said. "So I think we're going to come back with a very good answer. He followed through on that Tuesday, at a time when Michigan has seen its unemployment rate rise for three consecutive months, including a 1.3 per cent jump in March, reaching 5.5 per cent, according to state data. That fare exceeds the national average. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
