Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has expressed a newfound willingness to work with former President Donald Trump despite her previous criticisms. In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, she acknowledged issues at the southern border and mentioned deploying the National Guard under both Biden and Trump administrations. Whitmer emphasized her intent to collaborate, especially after Michigan supported Trump in the 2024 election.
Whitmer’s current stance is surprising given her earlier position against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Back in 2018, she advocated for abolishing ICE, describing its actions as “fundamentally cruel and unconstitutional.” During her campaign, she urged governors to take a stand against the agency’s practices.
Throughout Trump’s initial term, Whitmer was an outspoken critic. She found his proposal to send federal officers into cities during the George Floyd protests “deeply disturbing.”
Additionally, she took issue with his skepticism over universal mail-in ballots and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. She accused him of using partisan tactics when criticizing Michigan’s COVID-19 policies.
In a 2020 Washington Post op-ed, Whitmer held Trump accountable for dividing the nation, linking his rhetoric to a kidnapping plot against her, which involved FBI informants. This criticism extended to her handling of the COVID-19 crisis, where she faced backlash for strict measures like banning travel between homes.
Whitmer has since moderated her pandemic policies. In a 2023 CNN interview, she admitted that some decisions made during the pandemic may not have been necessary in hindsight. Her willingness to reflect on past actions suggests a shift towards pragmatism.
Despite her past criticisms, Whitmer has shown a readiness to work with Trump. At a Detroit Auto Show, she acknowledged the need for collaboration, even if disagreements remain. “Michiganders elected both me and Donald Trump twice just two years apart,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to finding common ground.
The governor also faced criticism from the Catholic community after a video emerged of her feeding a Dorito to a feminist influencer. The act was perceived as mocking religious practices, prompting the Catholic League’s President Bill Donohue to accuse Whitmer of anti-Catholic bigotry.
In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won Michigan by a narrow margin, with voters expressing greater trust in him over Kamala Harris on key issues like the economy and immigration. This shift in voter sentiment underscores the importance of addressing these concerns.
Other Democrats, such as Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, have also shown openness to working with Trump. Fetterman supported the Laken Riley Act alongside Republican senators, and Murphy reached out to Trump on congestion pricing issues affecting New Jersey commuters.
Fetterman’s agreement with Trump on purchasing Greenland highlights a pragmatic approach to governance. He described the potential acquisition as a “responsible conversation,” illustrating a willingness to consider unconventional ideas.
Murphy’s letter to Trump about New York’s congestion pricing scheme further reflects this trend. By aligning with Trump on this issue, Murphy seeks to protect New Jersey commuters from adverse impacts.
Whitmer’s recent actions and statements indicate a strategic pivot as she eyes a potential presidential run in 2028. Her willingness to collaborate with Trump could appeal to a broad range of voters, particularly in a swing state like Michigan.
The political landscape is shifting, with some Democrats recognizing the need for cooperation with the Trump administration. This pragmatic approach may be crucial in addressing pressing issues and bridging partisan divides.
Whitmer’s evolving stance and the broader Democratic willingness to engage with Trump suggest a potential realignment within the party. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the focus remains on finding solutions that resonate with the American public.
