We now definitively know why Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was at the White House a few weeks back, and it has to do with the future of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base just north of Detroit.

Our own Thomas LaDuke called it five days ago:

Now, the surprise part of [Trump's visit], I have been led to believe, is that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will gain additional missions to keep it open and thriving. The base has been a fixture in the county forever, and the president already indicated at the White House that he would be in favor of keeping it open.

President Trump landed at the base Tuesday afternoon en route to a rally to commemorate his first 100 days in office (this term). In remarks shortly after landing, Trump announced that not only will Selfridge be kept open, but it'll be receiving an F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet mission:

"Today, I've come in person to let to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense.

"As commander in chief, I'm proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets — the best in the world. Fresh."

Whitmer and Michigan's congressional delegation had been lobbying the White House for years on the issue, and she was on hand both at the tarmac to greet the President and in the hangar for the announcement. Trump heaped praise on the governor for her bipartisan efforts.

TRUMP at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: "For decades, they've been trying to save this facility... I want to thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for bringing it also to our attention very strongly... She was very much involved with the Republicans."pic.twitter.com/Z7Px1aFKuU

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 29, 2025

And Whitmer quickly trumpeted the news on social media.

BREAKING: After years of hard work, we’ve secured a new fighter squadron to protect operations at Selfridge Air National Guard Base for decades to come. That means jobs, a stronger economy, and a bright, lasting, and secure future for Selfridge and the entire state of Michigan. pic.twitter.com/H8YuL6b2sh

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 29, 2025

Obviously, this base is crucial for Trump's efforts to secure our borders given its location along the US/Canada border, so it probably wasn't a very heavy lift for Whitmer to get Trump's support on the issue. 

After Trump praised her advocacy for Michigan (which is essentially just doing her job), and after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke, Trump motioned to Whitmer, giving her the opportunity to make remarks if she so desired. It would have absolutely been bad form for her to turn down that offer, so she graciously approached the stage.

Gretchen Whitmer REALLY didn't want to talk.

Imagine how her base is going to react because she was just near Trump. pic.twitter.com/OWKtYzsE4j

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 29, 2025

Whitmer said:

Well, I hadn't planned to speak, but on behalf of all of the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the State of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy; it's crucial for the men and women here, for our homeland security, and for our future. So, thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you.

Why is it that the Dems just can't help but curse in almost every situation?

Anyway, her base will definitely hate it, but Trump put her in a no-win situation. If she'd turned down his offer to speak, he would have called her out at some point, calling her rude and ungrateful, but her base would have been happy.

They'll be even less happy to see this:

AWKWARD! After covering her face up at the White House, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer just welcomed President Trump to her state.

She is NOT happy her embrace of Trump was just on camera, guaranteed! pic.twitter.com/6qG8hhvDHm

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 29, 2025

At least Whitmer didn't have to stalk him on the tarmac the way California's Gavin Newsom did when Trump visited California after the Los Angeles wildfires.

Team RedState will be liveblogging President Trump's speech starting at 5:45 PM; I hope you'll join us.

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