Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently called for cooperation with President-elect Donald Trump during her speech at the Detroit Auto Show. She highlighted the critical state of Michigan’s auto industry and emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to secure its future.
Whitmer, who has positioned herself as a significant player within the Democratic Party and is seen by many as a potential presidential contender in 2028, reached out to both Republicans and Democrats to “find common ground.” She pointed out that residents of Michigan have repeatedly elected both her and Trump, signaling a desire for unified action on issues that genuinely impact the lives of Michiganders.
“In my home, we valued compromise,” Whitmer said, expressing her desire to work alongside Trump to address pressing concerns such as cost reduction, job creation, and cutting unnecessary red tape. She believes these issues resonate deeply with the people of Michigan, whose livelihoods depend heavily on the auto sector.
During her address, she made a sobering acknowledgment of the competition that Michigan faces from other states, particularly those in the South, which are trying to attract auto manufacturers with incentives. “Right now, the future of the entire auto industry is at stake,” she stated. “Michigan is still the number one auto state, but we’ve lost ground. Other states are offering significant incentives to businesses, and that puts us at risk.”
Republican governors have long sought to attract industries away from the Rust Belt by creating a more favorable economic environment with lower taxes and fewer regulations. A prime example of this trend is Tesla founder Elon Musk, who has expanded his operations into Texas, a state known for its business-friendly policies.
Whitmer also made it clear that the threat to Michigan’s auto jobs is not confined to domestic competition. “Make no mistake, other states and nations like China are gunning for Michigan auto jobs,” she warned, stressing that collaboration is essential for both state and national economic success.
While Trump has used tariffs as a strategy to protect American industries from foreign competition, particularly from China, Whitmer expressed caution. She acknowledged that while she does not oppose tariffs in principle, they should not be applied indiscriminately or used as a tool against close trading partners, as this approach could disrupt supply chains and harm production processes, ultimately costing jobs.
Although she had yet to directly communicate with Trump, she indicated plans to reach out in the coming weeks. Whitmer outlined key strategies she believes could support the auto industry, which include reducing payroll taxes, increasing investment in development and housing, and improving infrastructure.
“I don’t want to pretend that we’re always going to see eye to eye, but I will prioritize collaboration. I’m not here to create conflict, but I won’t back down from necessary challenges,” she reassured her audience.
Additionally, while the governor has denied aspirations for the Vice President’s seat, her political future remains uncertain due to term limits, preventing her from running for governor again until 2026.
As Michigan stands at a crossroads, the approach taken by its leaders will significantly impact its economic landscape. With the auto industry being a defining element of the state’s identity, Whitmer’s push for a cooperative relationship with Trump reflects a broader hope for revitalizing Michigan’s economy through shared goals and united efforts.
