Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), a figurehead of the radical left, found herself in an awkward position when President Donald Trump warmly embraced her upon his arrival in Michigan—only to deliver what political observers are calling the ultimate “kiss of death” for her future ambitions. The liberal media, always eager to twist the narrative, will undoubtedly spin this moment as a sign of bipartisan unity, but the truth is far more devastating for Whitmer. Trump, the master strategist, expertly showcased her irrelevance while appearing magnanimous—a move that will haunt her in the coming Democratic primaries.
As reported, Whitmer—who once hid behind folders to avoid being photographed at the Trump White House—suddenly had no shame when greeting the President on the tarmac. The two shared a brief, cordial exchange, but the real blow came later during Trump’s speech at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While announcing the addition of 21 new F-15EX fighter jets and a massive $1 trillion defense budget, Trump threw Whitmer a backhanded compliment that will be her undoing.
AWKWARD! After covering her face up at the White House, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer just welcomed President Trump to her state.
She is NOT happy her embrace of Trump was just on camera, guaranteed! pic.twitter.com/6qG8hhvDHm
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 29, 2025
“I want to thank Gretchen Whitmer,” Trump said, grinning. “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.’”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, recognizing the subtle jab. Trump continued, “She’s done a very good job… She was very much involved working with the Republicans on saving it.”
The liberal media will no doubt frame this as Trump extending an olive branch, but conservatives know better. By forcing Whitmer into an unplanned speech and highlighting her cooperation with Republicans, Trump effectively tied her to his own successes—a lethal move in today’s hyper-partisan Democratic Party. The footage of her standing beside him, awkwardly smiling as he dominates the stage, will be weaponized in her next primary challenge.
TRUMP: "I want to thank Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer…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." pic.twitter.com/RECBGXWqa3
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 29, 2025
Look at her body language Gretchen Whitmer just wants to crawl up under that hat and hide 😂 pic.twitter.com/s6xRi04aDA
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) April 29, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump’s vision for national security—including the new “Golden Dome” missile defense shield for Michigan—proves yet again why his leadership is unmatched. While Democrats obsess over divisive identity politics, Trump delivers real results: stronger defense, thriving industry, and a clear path forward for America. Whitmer, like so many Democrats, is left scrambling to justify her existence in the shadow of a president who gets things done.