Whitmer Faces Criticism for Trump Collaboration on Jets

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, has faced criticism from within her party after collaborating with Republican President Donald Trump to secure new F-15EX fighter jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The two appeared together at both an Oval Office meeting and a Michigan event where Trump credited Whitmer as instrumental in saving the base. Whitmer publicly praised Trump for supporting the base's recapitalization, sparking debate among Democrats over the optics and risks of such bipartisan cooperation. Whitmer defended her actions as prioritizing Michigan’s interests, while Trump highlighted the importance of working across party lines. The assignment of 20-21 new F-15EX fighters is expected to secure the base’s future and support the local economy. The episode underscores the political complexities and potential backlash of bipartisan collaboration in a polarized environment.