Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer met with President Trump Tuesday to discuss the negative effects that the auto tariffs are having on her state.
The details: In a closed-door session at the White House, the Democratic Governor told the President how the levies on Mexico and Canada could cause problems for the state’s economy—zeroing in on several topics tied directly to the auto industry.
The conversation included discussing ways to strengthen the state’s economy.
She and Trump also talked about the importance of working together to create more good-paying jobs in the state.
This is the third meeting Whitmer has had with Trump, and her working relationship with the President has drawn some criticism from some other fellow party members.
What she’s saying: “That’s why I’ve continued to go to Washington, D.C. to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made,” said Whitmer.
Why it matters: The negative effects of the tariffs on the Detroit Big Three and the Michigan economy are already evident—with industry experts saying that it’s pivotal that the U.S. reach a trade deal soon with Canada and Mexico to avoid more damage.
Between the lines: The Michigan Governor’s Tuesday meeting with the President comes less than a week after Whitmer signed an executive directive to assess the impact of tariffs on Michiganders—detailing some of the negative effects of tariffs on the state’s auto industry.
Detroit Big Three automakers (specifically Stellantis $STLA ( ▲ 2.9% ) and GM $GM ( ▲ 0.92% ) ) reporting significant losses, largely due to tariffs.
Ford is taking out a new line of credit due to economic uncertainty and saying that tariffs will cost $2 billion.
Parts supplier Detroit Axle, announced that it will close its doors in Michigan due to tariff-driven conditions—laying off over 100 employees.
“Let’s continue Standing Tall for common-sense trade policies that help every Michigander stay and succeed and build their path to health and wealth,” added Whitmer.
Bottom line: Tariffs are cutting deep into the bottom lines of GM, Ford, and Stellantis—causing significant financial losses and driving economic uncertainty. Without swift resolution through trade deals, the Big Three risk further instability and potential long-term damage to their operations and workforce in Michigan.
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