Trump enthusiastically embraces Whitmer, presenting her with an accomplishment: modern jets for Michigan's airbase.
Fighter Jet Boost for Selfridge Base: Trump Announces 21 New F-15EX Eagles, Easing Whitmer's Concerns
Wrangling a win against a long-standing critic, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, President Donald Trump dropped a surprise announcement on Tuesday – a new mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. With the embracing of an once-bitter foe, the question lingers: what political price will Whitmer pay to secure this victory?
Historically, Selfridge Base has been a stalwart of North American air defense – a crucial pillar for generations[1]. However, recent years have cast a shadow over the base, with fears of closure looming. Trump stepped up to quell these fears and lay to rest any doubt about the base's future[2].
The A-10 Warthogs currently in operation at the base are due to retire, and to keep Selfridge operational, a replacement was desperately needed[2]. Trump announced that these aging aircraft would be supplanted by 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets – freshly built and hailed as the best in the world[1].
Governor Whitmer attributed decades of her efforts to Trump, saying that only he – "the only one that mattered" – could ensure Selfridge's continued operation[2]. Yet, during her impromptu remarks, Whitmer noticeably did not acknowledge Trump's contribution.
The base, nestled 30 miles north of Detroit, generates an annual economic impact of $850 million and supports around 5,000 military and civilian personnel[1]. For Whitmer, securing Selfridge's future has been a top priority, pressing multiple administrations, including Trump's and former Democratic President Joe Biden's[2].
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Trump at Selfridge for the announcement, but military implications aside, Whitmer's victory remains a notable achievement[2]. However, the political cost for the governor remains uncertain as speculation swirls about her possible presidential aspirations.
Rather than opposing the president and his administration, Whitmer has promised to find common ground where possible, vowing to elevate her national profile[3]. This approach may be contentious among some Democrats who view Trump and his team as inherently harmful[3].
The base has played a significant role in Michigan's economy and security, and securing a new mission has been a long-standing goal for the governor[2]. The arrival of new F-15EX Eagle II fighters will not only modernize Selfridge's capabilities but also protect its vital role in Michigan's well-being.
[1] Associated Press. (2021, May 19). Selfridge Air National Guard Base to receive $8 billion in upgrade. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
[2] Associated Press. (2021, May 6). Trump and Whitmer share a hug at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
[3] Gehrke, S. (2020, November 16). Michigan Gov. Whitmer says she could defeat Trump in a presidential race. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
[4] Associated Press. (2021, January 14). Trump proposes $740 billion defense budget. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
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- In light of the new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the question arises: what political price will Whitmer pay for this victory?
- Selfridge Base, located 30 miles north of Detroit, has a significant annual economic impact of $850 million.
- Whitmer has been pushing for the base's continued operation for decades, approaching multiple administrations, including Trump's and Biden's.
- The F-15EX Eagle II jets are set to replace the aging A-10 Warthogs currently at the base.
- Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Whitmer gathered at the base for the announcement of the new operation.
- Despite her prior opposition, Whitmer attributed her efforts to secure Selfridge's operation to Trump, referring to him as the only one that mattered.
- Sources suggest that Whitmer may harbor presidential aspirations, which could impact the political cost of her victory.
- Michigan's governor has vowed to work with Trump and his administration where possible, despite criticism from some Democrats.
- The new mission will modernize the base's capabilities, ensuring its vital role in Michigan's well-being and security.
- The arrival of the 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets was a result of the $8 billion upgrade, as reported by the Associated Press.
- Trump announced the decision to allocate funds for the upgrade in January 2021, proposing a $740 billion defense budget.
- North American air defense has relied on Selfridge Base as a crucial pillar for generations, making the base's continued operation pivotal.
- The base has been under the threat of closure in recent years, casting a shadow over its future.
- Trump's announcement ends any lingering doubts about the base's future, securing its operation for the foreseeable future.
- In the realm of general news, the new F-15EX Eagle II jets at Selfridge Base are part of a wider political narrative shaping Whitmer's political career.
- Apart from the F-15EX Eagle II jets, Selfridge Base also hosts units dedicated to crime and justice, accidents, fires, and sports – including football, baseball, hockey, golf, and racing.
- The base also plays a significant role in the global sports scene, connecting with European leagues and events such as the Masters, Grand Prix, horse-racing, tennis, and sports analysis. Moreover, it keeps tabs on weather forecasting, auto-racing, and mixed-martial-arts happenings around the world.
