Whitmer's Approach to Trump Is Paying Off

Leah Barkoukis | May 28, 2025 8:00 AM

After a meeting last month with President Trump, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer explained to The New York Times that “public service is about putting the people of Michigan before my own interest.” Even though she was clearly uncomfortable with being photographed in the Oval Office—going so far as hiding her face with folders—she showed up.

“My job was to try to get help for people who were suffering as a result of the ice storm, to land more investment at Selfridge Air Base, to protect the Great Lakes and to fight for the auto industry. And that’s what I was doing,” she explained.

After that meeting, Whitmer was seen with Trump again at an event at Selfridge Air National Guard Base announcing production of a new fighter jet, where the president praised her effectiveness in saving the facility.

While her team was clear ahead of that event that she was there to “support her troops and the long-standing effort she has made to secure support for Selfridge,” new polling shows she should ignore whatever criticism she’s receiving from the far-left, and recognize her efforts are being well received by Michiganders.

Governor Whitmer has her strongest ratings in years and is as strong as she’s ever been with Democrats. Voters across the political spectrum like that she is working across party lines, getting things done, and focused on the issues that matter. Michiganders want her to continue her approach of working with President Trump when it’s good for Michigan while standing up to him when she disagrees. Voters also broadly support her economic development packages. (Impact Research)

The Democrat has a 63 percent positive job rating, according to a survey from Impact Research. That includes 90 percent positive among Democrats, 66 percent positive among Independents, and 35 percent positive among Republicans.