Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed her willingness to work with Donald Trump in an interview this week, saying the president-elect clearly cares about her state.
He added: “The people of Michigan, like the majority of Americans, voted for Donald Trump, and my oath is for Michigan.” Whitmer said CNN At a meeting of Democratic governors in Los Angeles. “Obviously I have experience in this type of environment that will help me know how to continue to fight for Michigan. But I know that Donald Trump cares about Michigan. And I hope that because of that, we'll be able to find common ground in some important ways.”
Trump won Michigan in the 2024 election on his way to regaining the White House. Whitmer is widely viewed as a potential contender for the White House in 2028 given her status as a two-term governor of a battleground state.
Whitmer appears to be using the tactic of not publicly antagonizing Trump, given the federal government's ability to allocate aid and prioritize some states' initiatives.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a news conference at Michigan State University on November 07, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
CNN avoids asking Gretchen Whitmer about the bizarre Doritos video that's going viral
Whitmer and Trump butted heads In the media During his first term, particularly regarding his administration's response to COVID-19. She has been floated as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, but has declined to be considered so she can finish out her second term in office, which expires in 2027.
Another governor at the meeting spoke to CNN in New York Cathy HochulShe revealed that she actually had a phone conversation with Trump in which she highlighted his status as a famous New Yorker.
Hochul described him as “a president who is a New Yorker, who has been a New Yorker, will understand how important this is to the success of our state.”
Democratic governors highlight them as 'last line of defense' against Trump
Donald Trump sits down with Kristen Welker on Sunday for an interview on “Meet the Press.” (Screenshot/NBC)
Other Democratic governors at the meeting stressed that they are the last line of defense against the second Trump administration.
He added: “It would be irresponsible not to anticipate all scenarios of what could happen, especially listening to what the president said, what his advisors said, what his appointees said, what his nominees for various positions said, and what the 2025 Project said.” “I have to be very aware of all these potential challenges and have a strategy to respond to each of them should they actually occur,” Hochul told CNN. So, I’m playing some defense now, getting the game plan together, and being ready to get to work.”
Democrats find themselves without a clear national leader as the Biden administration nears its end. President Biden has been largely absent from public view, as has Harris after her bruising loss to Trump.
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The 2028 Democratic primary is wide open and could involve multiple governors, including Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
