Michigan Lt Gov says he's 'concerned' about Gretchen Whitmer 'cozying up' to Trump

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has expressed disappointment with his boss "cozying up" to the Trump White House, and vowed to "confront" the administration if elected governor in 2026. This comes after Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was captured on video being friendly with President Trump in recent public appearances. Gilchrist, a Democrat, made the remarks during a May 3 campaign event in Grand Rapids, according to the New York Post.

"I do like Governor Whitmer, but I am a little concerned with her cozying up to Trump recently," a Michigan State University political science student said to Gilchrist, asking for his thoughts on the matter, according to video obtained by the outlet.

"I think it's terrible," Gilchrist responded, vowing that if elected governor in 2026, he would "show up" for Michiganders and "confront the Trump administration for launching investigations into state institutions."

"We need to make sure we are advocating fully for what the people of Michigan need," he continued. "This administration's attacked, for example, Grand Valley State University," with their civil rights probe into the college's use of affirmative action, he said, adding, "As governor, Trump will still be president in 2027, so that's how I would show up against this administration."
 

President Trump recently praised Gov. Whitmer, who is term-limited, during an event last month at an Air National Guard Base near Detroit, where she was pulled up on stage to speak. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also in attendance.

"I want to thank Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer," said Trump in his remarks, per the outlet. "You know, I'm not supposed to do that. She's a Democrat. They say, 'Don't do that, don't have her here.' I said, 'No, she's going to be here ... She's done a very good job.'"

Additionally, Whitmer was captured earlier in April, meeting with the president in the Oval Office to discuss the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Photographs of the meeting went viral after Whitmer attempted to conceal her identity behind a stack of blue folders, suggesting she didn't want to be captured meeting with Trump.

A spokesperson for Gilchrist, Danya Rafiqi, told The Post in a statement that his comments were "taken entirely out of context."

"What the Lieutenant Governor believes is terrible is Donald Trump slashing critical healthcare programs, raising costs, and putting Michigan jobs and families at risk," said Rafiqi. "Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist will continue working together to deliver for Michigan despite the chaos."