Gretchen Whitmer's folders aren't wide enough as her Oval Office antics draw ire from both sides

Washington D.C.: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, faced backlash after appearing alongside Donald Trump in the Oval Office, where she was photographed hiding her face with binders during a press conference.

The visit, intended to discuss bipartisan issues like infrastructure and tariffs, took an awkward turn when Whitmer was unexpectedly pulled into Trump’s signing of controversial executive orders targeting his political opponents.

Whitmer’s spokesperson told CNN she was “caught off guard” by the event, clarifying her presence was not an endorsement of Trump’s actions. Despite her efforts to distance herself, Trump praised her as a “very good person” — a stark contrast to his criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he called her a problematic “young, woman governor". Whitmer, in turn, had blamed Trump for fueling extremism after a failed right-wing plot to kidnap her.

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After the event, Whitmer told reporters she disagreed with Trump’s statements but stayed to advocate for Michigan. However, online critics mocked her for hiding behind binders, with some accusing her of cowardice. One X user wrote, “She just stood there as he signed executive orders. Democrats, NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE YOU.” Others questioned whether she was avoiding accountability.

Political analysts note her approach reflects Michigan’s divided government, where cooperation is necessary. Yet, her appearance with Trump has drawn ire from progressive Democrats demanding stronger resistance.

Whitmer, first elected in 2018 and re-elected by a wider margin in 2022.