In a rare bipartisan moment, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, calling her a “very good person” who has done an “excellent job,” during a high-profile Oval Office meeting on April 9. The meeting, centered around new U.S. trade tariffs, brought together unexpected political allies as tensions around economic policy continue to rise.
Whitmer’s attendance at the executive order signing followed her critical speech on Trump’s new trade measures. She warned that tariffs on North American allies like Mexico and Canada could harm U.S. manufacturing and drive up prices for American consumers.
Whitmer Criticizes Tariffs on North American Goods
Governor Whitmer didn’t hold back during her speech:
“Treating our allies like adversaries is going to cost all of us,” she said. “From losing jobs in the auto industry to increased prices on goods — even something as simple as blueberries — the impact will be deeply felt.”
Her remarks came just before Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, although tariffs on Chinese imports surged to 125%. Whitmer emphasized that such aggressive economic moves risk the U.S.’s trade relationships and could worsen domestic inflation.
Unexpected Appearance in Oval Office
According to Whitmer’s spokesperson, she was “surprised” to be called into the Oval Office without prior notice of the event’s subject. The statement clarified:
“Her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.”
Whitmer was accompanied by Republican House Speaker Matt Hall, signaling a moment of bipartisan cooperation, despite ongoing Democratic criticism of Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy announced earlier in April.
A Rare Moment of Political Civility?
The Oval Office encounter highlights the complex overlap between politics, trade, and diplomacy. While Trump and Whitmer may remain on opposite ends of the political spectrum, their temporary alignment on certain economic concerns demonstrates the unpredictable nature of U.S. domestic policy in 2025.
