Republicans, meanwhile, expressed confusion over Trump’s praise of a potential 2028 opponent, with one strategist calling it a political misstep.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism from Democrats after appearing alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as he signed a series of executive orders, including one targeting a former DHS official over the 2020 election.
Whitmer, reportedly invited for a private meeting, appeared visibly uncomfortable as Trump praised her leadership. “She’s really done an excellent job, very good person,” Trump said before signing controversial orders.
A Whitmer spokesperson said the governor was “surprised” to be brought into the televised signing without prior notice. “Her presence is not an endorsement,” they clarified.
Democrats swiftly reacted. “Just a f—ing disaster,” one operative told NBC News. “She looked and sounded nervous… that visual will stick.”
Whitmer also stirred debate with comments at a Washington speech, saying she’s “not against tariffs outright,” diverging from party sentiment amid market turbulence.
Republicans, meanwhile, expressed confusion over Trump’s praise of a potential 2028 opponent, with one strategist calling it a political misstep.