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Michigan Gov. gretchen Whitmer met privately with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday to deliver a message he might not want to here: the automotive industry he champions is being harmed by his tariffs.
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The Democratic governor arrived with a presentation of slides to make her case. Securing the meeting was a notable achievement for whitmer, who is seen as a potential contender for the presidential nomination in 2028.
Did you know? Whitmer’s strategy highlights the delicate balance Democratic leaders face: protecting their states’ interests while opposing the president’s agenda.
Whitmer’s approach to engaging with Trump differs from many other Democratic governors. Matt Grossman, a professor of politics at Michigan State University, noted that Whitmer’s “prospect to make direct exhortations” privately with trump is “something unique in this political moment.”
This was Whitmer’s third meeting with Trump at the White House. Her previous encounters included a less public session in April, where she was unexpectedly caught in an impromptu press conference, an event that visibly embarrassed her.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Whitmer informed the president of the potential severe economic damage tariffs could inflict on Michigan, a state that was crucial to Trump’s victory in 2024. She also discussed federal aid for ice storm recovery adn advocated for delaying changes to Medicaid services.
Sources close to the private conversation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that Trump did not make specific commitments.
Tariffs’ Toll on a Key Industry
Whitmer is not alone in warning about the detrimental effects of import taxes. These taxes,which Trump touts as a way to revitalize American manufacturing,could lead to job losses,reduced profits,and higher prices for consumers.
White House spokesman Kush Desai asserted that Trump has shown “a greater interest in restoring the predominance of the U.S. automotive industry than President Trump.” He added that trade agreements negotiated by his administration would open Japanese, Korean, and European markets to vehicles manufactured in Michigan.
However, Trump’s preferred method of engagement often involves high-profile presentations by tech executives. On Wednesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented Trump with a personalized glass plate and pledged $600 billion in investments. Trump claims to have attracted $17 billion in investment commitments, though these figures have not yet materialized in economic data.
The Complex Web of U.S. Auto Tariffs
American car manufacturers face significant import taxes: 50% on steel and aluminum, 30% on parts from China, and up to 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico not covered by the 2020 trade agreement.
Ford reported $800 million in tariff-related costs in the second quarter, while GM cited $1.1 billion in import tax expenses. These costs could impede reinvestment in domestic factories, a goal Trump champions.
“We anticipate that the tariffs are a net obstacle of about $2 billion this year, and we will continue to closely monitor the developments and interact with those responsible for public policies to ensure that United States workers and automotive clients are not harmed by the policy change,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley during a company earnings call.
According to the Office of Labor Statistics
