Donald Trump kills Gretchen Whitmer's presidential hopes with kindness...again

Detroit, Michigan: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer found herself in another awkward situation with President Donald Trump. This time, however, there were no folders to hide behind.

While addressing Michigan National Guardsmen at Selfridge Air National Guard Base outside of Detroit, Trump unexpectedly called out Whitmer, praising her work advocating for the base despite their political differences. "I want to thank Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer," Trump said. "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'."

He then asked her to speak, catching her off guard. Whitmer, visibly uncomfortable, stumbled through her remarks: "Well, I hadn't planned to speak... But on behalf of all the men and women who have served... I really am damn happy we're here."

Earlier this month, Whitmer faced backlash from fellow Democrats after appearing alongside Trump in the Oval Office. At one point, she even raised a folder to shield her face from photographers — a move interpreted as an attempt to distance herself from the president.

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Trump, however, has repeatedly praised her, calling her "a very good person" who has "done an excellent job". Their meetings have focused on Michigan issues, including infrastructure and military investments. But Whitmer’s willingness to engage with Trump has sparked fury within her party, with critics accusing her of damaging her 2028 presidential prospects.

Whitmer’s team insists she was blindsided by the Oval Office appearance, stating, "Her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event."