Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) met Tuesday with President Trump at the White House to raise concerns about the effects the president’s tariff policy is having on her state.
Whitmer met with Trump for the third time this year, a rare instance of a prominent Democrat reaching out directly to the president. In addition to tariffs, the two leaders discussed the fallout of changes to Medicaid and natural disaster recovery efforts, according to Whitmer’s office.
“I’ve always said that I’ll work with anyone to get things done for Michigan,” Whitmer said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve continued to go to Washington, D.C. to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made.”
“I will always do whatever I can to make life a little easier for Michiganders and strengthen our economy,” she added. “We should do everything in our power to lower costs and grow more good-paying jobs in Michigan. I appreciate the president’s time and attention to the matters we discussed.”
Whitmer also met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
The governor outlined how Michiganders are being affected by changes to the Insurance Provider Assessment in Medicaid. She pushed for a longer transition period to allow the state to maintain Medicaid stability.
Whitmer also cited negative impacts of tariffs on the state’s economy, specifically its auto industry. Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on automobile imports, and tariffs on Mexico and Canada have further exacerbated issues for the auto industry. Whitmer also spoke with Trump about a manufacturing site in Genesee County that could be a source of potential investment in the state.
Tuesday’s meeting took place behind closed doors. Whitmer’s last visit to the White House included what the governor said was a surprise appearance in front of cameras with Trump where she went viral for attempting to block her face with a folder.
Whitmer, who has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has argued her conversations with Trump have led to positive developments for her state. Trump complimented the governor during an April visit to tout investments in Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
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