Michigan Governor Softens Opposition to Trump in State of the State Message

Term-limited out in 2026, Whitmer is on the short list of potential candidates vying to become the Democratic nominee for president in 2028.

The governor took some shots at Washington Republicans, saying that we are living in a “divisive national moment when America needs a new way forward.” She called it a “time when bullying and lying seem to be in style.”

With all the current “economic uncertainty” and “political division,” she said, “national politics can be exhausting.”

She suggested that high interest rates and the latest inflation rate of 3 percent are the fault of the new administration and the GOP majorities in Washington.

Concerned About Tariffs’ Impact

Whitmer warned that Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs would “wreak havoc” on Michigan’s economy. She called tariffs “a blunt tool” that would cost the consumer $1,200 per year and raise the price of a car by $3,000.

The price of prescription drugs and heating oil would also go up, according to Whitmer.

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12/12/2024

“We are all being manipulated by the largest, most powerful corporations in the world,” she said, adding, “our people are not as divided as our politics.”

She said she was grateful that “Republicans, Democrats, and private sector leaders are speaking out against widespread, 25 percent tariffs on our neighbors.”

“Because we know saying no to Canada means saying yes to China,” she said, without further explanation.

Bipartisanship Is the Goal

Sounding a softer note, Whitmer said the people are counting on their leaders to work together, listen, and learn from each other. She said she intended to serve all the people of Michigan, no matter who is in the White House.

Finding “common ground with President Trump” is one of her objectives, she said.

“My North Star has always been collaboration. I will work with anyone to get things done,” she said. “We must all compromise.”

Whitmer also expressed hope that Democrats and Republicans can work together in Lansing. She said her objective was to get costs down, create more jobs, and get results from “better functioning government.”

Whitmer said she was able to grow a list of accomplishments, including during the first two years of her first term with the GOP in control of both houses of the state Legislature.

“Our financial house is in order. We have a surplus and will pay down debt,” Whitmer said.

She also warned that the $3.5 billion bond issue approved in 2020 to repair the state’s roads and bridges is nearly all spent, with a lot more work to be done. She said the state’s road budget is “facing a funding cliff.”

Whitmer appealed to Republican legislators to consider “new, fair sources of revenue” to pay for road work. She then told her fellow Democrats that budget cuts “will need to be part of the solution.”

Bad roads cost Michigan drivers $750 each year in car repairs, she said.

Reducing Regulation

Referring to the need for regulatory reform, Whitmer said, “Our permitting system has been broken for a long time.”

“We need to change state laws. Let’s simplify permitting to get things built on time and on budget.”

She said there were 401 state permits and that the permitting process must be sped up. To that end, Whitmer proposed the elimination of 26 boards and committees and a review to find and eliminate unnecessary rules. She said she wanted professional licensing in Michigan to be “easier, faster, and cheaper.”

Whitmer questioned how the state could be spending more than most other states on education per pupil and be in the bottom 10 in terms of results.

Limiting the use of cellphones by students during the school day is something the Legislature needs to consider, she said. “It’s hard to teach geography or geometry when you are competing against memes.”

Playing on a phrase popularized by Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” energy agenda, Whitmer said the answer to Michigan being short 140,000 homes is “build, baby, build.”

To fuel the building spree, Whitmer proposed the state invest $2 billion “to build or fix up 11,000 homes.”

On the energy front, Whitmer pointed to the restart of the first closed nuclear plant in the nation’s history. The soon-to-be reactivated Palisades Power Plant in Covert is expected to bring over 600 high-paying union jobs to the area. The move is not popular with environmental groups that make up some of Whitmer’s key support.

Whitmer lauded the bipartisan expansion of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program that helped qualified low-income recipients save $700 per year on their energy bills.

To help young people find good-paying jobs, Whitmer urged the Legislature to make a record investment in career and technical education. Addressing young Michiganders, Whitmer said, “We want to help you to learn more and earn more.”

Whitmer said near the end of her speech, “Our brand has taken a beating over the last few decades.”

The governor appealed to all Michiganders to work together to help the state that “we all love, live up to our potential.”

Republicans Respond

Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), was skeptical of Whitmer’s message.

Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) said he liked some of what he heard.

The governor’s remark that the state’s “financial house is in order” prompted a reaction from Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Portland).

Others struck an upbeat note.