Michigan’s governor gambles on Trump

When Donald Trump arrived in Michigan on Tuesday for a visit that would end with a political rally commemorating his first 100 days, there was an unexpected member of the welcoming party. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, was first in line to meet the president on the tarmac.

During last year’s presidential campaign, Whitmer had been a sharp critic of Trump. In a high-profile speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, she accused the candidate – whom she called “that man from Mar-a-Lago” – of being out touch with American voters.

As Trump came down the stairs in Michigan, Whitmer tentatively reached out for a handshake. Trump, however, leaned in for a hug – one which Whitmer awkwardly reciprocated with a few pats on the back.

It was a delicate moment for a prominent Democrat with 2028 presidential aspirations. Many on the political left have been calling for their party to do more to resist and obstruct Trump’s agenda, viewing the first 100 days of his presidency as an across-the-board assault on individual freedoms, government and the rule of law.

On Sunday Illinois Governor JB Pritkzer, another possible Democratic candidate, told Democrats in New Hampshire – a state that historically holds particular influence in the presidential nominating process – that his party needed to “fight everywhere all at once” and that Republicans “cannot know a moment of peace”.

Whitmer’s hug – and her later appearance on stage with Trump – are likely to be used against the governor by more liberal candidates if she launches a presidential bid and begins to gain traction with voters.

Such a turn wouldn’t be without precedent. In 2012, New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie embraced Democrat Barack Obama on an airport runway when the then-president came to his state to review the massive damage from Hurricane Sandy. For many in Christie’s party, it was an apostacy – one that haunted the governor during his ill-fated bids for president in 2016 and again in 2024.

Whitmer, however, has made the calculation that it’s better for her – and her state – if she finds a way to work with this president. She had been lobbying the Trump administration to expand Selfridge Air National Guard Base, located north of Detroit, which was in danger of being shuttered by the Department of Defence. Earlier this month, Whitmer visited Trump in the White House to make the case, although at that time she made a concerted effort to avoid the cameras.

Trump’s Tuesday visit to Selfridge, which was preceded by a White House announcement approving the requested investment, was the culmination of Whitmer’s efforts – which she noted during her brief, impromptu remarks after Trump spoke to gathered US soldiers in a nearby aircraft hangar.

“I am really damn happy we’re here to celebrate this recapitalisation at Selfridge,” she said. “I’m so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work.”

She did not mention, or thank, Trump by name. But she didn’t have to. Pictures, as they say, are worth more than words – and there is no small risk for Whitmer that the cost of Tuesday’s pictures will be high.