Trump-aligned Whitmer seeks advantage on tariff and Medicaid discussions
Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently met with President Donald Trump at the White House, discussing the negative impacts of tariffs on Michigan's substantial auto industry [2][5]. Whitmer has an uncommonly amicable relationship with Trump, which she has used to lobby for Michigan's interests [6].
Whitmer is strongly opposing federal Medicaid cuts embedded in recent legislation, which include work requirements for able-bodied adults to maintain coverage and significant spending reductions projected to start by the end of 2026 [1]. She warns that these cuts could cause up to 200,000 Michiganders to lose coverage and create a $1.1 billion hole in Michigan's budget [3]. To soften the Medicaid changes, Whitmer is demanding a three-year transition delay [4].
The Medicaid changes not only risk health coverage for many Michiganders but also pose a threat to the state budget. Changes in federal tax credits and tariffs could hamper Michigan’s manufacturing base, particularly its electric vehicle sector [1]. Whitmer has blamed national economic turmoil, including policy shifts like tariffs, for recent losses such as Michigan’s semiconductor plant, reflecting her concern about such federal economic measures affecting Michigan’s competitiveness in auto manufacturing [4].
During her visit to the White House, Whitmer also discussed economic opportunity in Genesee, specifically the best advanced manufacturing site in the country [7]. She encouraged President Trump to work with her and other Michiganders to grow American jobs using the site in Genesee. Whitmer played a role in successfully pushing for additional fighter jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base [8].
Whitmer appreciates "the president's time and attention to the matters we discussed" and is actively engaging with the federal government to manage these impacts pragmatically, signaling her willingness to collaborate while opposing harmful cuts and policy shifts [4].
References: 1. The Detroit News 2. Detroit Free Press 3. Michigan Advance 4. Crain's Detroit Business 5. Michigan Radio 6. Detroit News 7. Michigan Radio 8. Detroit News
Whitmer is actively opposing federal Medicaid cuts, which could cause a significant budget shortfall and lead to the loss of health coverage for many Michiganders. She has also expressed concerns about the impact of national economic measures, including tariffs and policy shifts, on Michigan's competitiveness in auto manufacturing and its electric vehicle sector.
