Trump affectionately embraces Whitmer and gifts her a victory: state-of-the-art jets for Michigan's airbase
In a significant development for Michigan, President Donald Trump announced a new mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Tuesday. The new mission involves the replacement of the base's aging A-10 aircraft with 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, marking a substantial shift in the base's operations.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a longtime advocate for securing a new mission for Selfridge, met with President Trump earlier this month in Washington to discuss the base and other issues affecting Michigan. The decision to assign the F-15EX fighters to Selfridge represents a strategic upgrade for the base and a multifaceted cooperation between state and federal officials.
The new mission is expected to have a significant economic impact, generating roughly $850 million in economic activity and supporting about 5,000 military and civilian jobs statewide. Major investments in infrastructure, including a $28 million hangar build to accommodate the new aircraft, have been made to support the expansion.
The announcement comes at a time when Michigan has been experiencing an increase in unemployment. The state's unemployment rate has risen for three consecutive months, reaching 5.5% in March, which exceeds the national average. The new mission is expected to help ensure Selfridge remains in operation, providing a much-needed boost to the state's economy.
Regarding the political impact on Governor Whitmer's relationship with President Trump, the decision to bring the F-15EX mission to Selfridge came during discussions that also involved other regional issues. Governor Whitmer raised her concerns about the invasive Asian carp threatening Lake Michigan's ecosystem during their White House meeting in April 2025, and Trump publicly acknowledged her concerns and committed to addressing them at the same time he announced the mission at Selfridge.
While there was some confusion and concern within the military and congressional circles about the impact of the sudden shift on training and logistics, the coordination on both military and environmental matters suggests a level of cooperation and negotiation between Whitmer and Trump. The move to bring the fighter jets to Selfridge aligned with Whitmer's interests in boosting Michigan’s strategic military profile and economic benefits tied to defense investments.
Governor Whitmer described her encounter with President Trump differently, stating that he congratulated her for her role in the announcement. However, a photo captured Governor Whitmer trying to hide her face from the cameras during the meeting with President Trump, which added an unexpected element to the public event. Despite this, the two shared a hug during Trump's visit to the base, indicating a more personal connection behind the political negotiations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled separately from President Trump to Selfridge Air National Guard Base for the announcement, further emphasising the importance of the decision for the base and the state of Michigan. The new mission is expected to secure Selfridge's future as a crucial pillar of North American air defense for decades to come.
- This significant shift in Selfridge Air National Guard Base's operations, involving the replacement of A-10 aircraft with 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, could have a notable impact on not just the local economy, but also on Michigan's general news and political landscape.
- Given the expected economic benefits, such as generating approximately $850 million in economic activity and supporting around 5,000 jobs, the media might focus on the strategic partnership between state and federal officials in regard to this military upgrade.
- As the new mission unfolds, war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation discussions might surround the potential effects on Michigan's economy and strategic military profile, particularly considering the increased employment opportunities and the securing of Selfridge as a crucial pillar of North American air defense for decades.
