Whitmer takes a stand against tariffs; meets with Trump

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

Michigan Democrats are taking a strong stand against President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which they say will raise prices and hurt relations with allies like Canada.

In the last few weeks, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued multiple official statements on the issue, including going so far as to release an executive directive.

“While I can’t control tariffs, I can make sure you know how they will affect your life and do everything in my power to help,” Whitmer said. “I’ll continue fighting to grow Michigan’s economy with common-sense trade policies that lower costs for Michiganders.”

The executive directive orders various state offices to investigate, calculate, and report the latest impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, especially on manufacturing, agriculture and the economy.

Whitmer has also attended multiple meetings with Trump since he took office in January to address tariffs and her concerns, one as recently as last week.

For a Democrat governor, Whitmer has had an unusually-friendly relationship with Trump’s administration, one she has defended.

“I’ve always said that I’ll work with anyone to get things done for Michigan,” she said in a statement regarding their latest meeting. “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.”

Other Responses

Michigan House Democrats have labeled the tariffs as taxes.

“Trumps Tariffs = taxes, and Michiganders are paying the price. From groceries to auto parts, the #CostOfChaos is hitting our wallets hard,” they said on social media. “Dems believe in providing people with financial relief because you shouldn’t have to pay more for political games.”

Canada, one of Michigan’s closest trade partners, currently faces a variety of tariffs, some as high as 50%, on products like steel and aluminum.

Republicans argue the tariffs will boost manufacturing in the United States.

“President Trump proved tariffs work. Michigan’s auto and steel jobs are coming back, factories are expanding, and American workers—not China—are winning. That’s what SUCCESS and GREATNESS look like,” said Rep. Matt Hall, speaker of the Michigan House, earlier this month.

Whitmer argued the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs are only hurting Michigan businesses.

“Tariffs have already weakened Michigan supply chains, increased costs for family budgets, caused major firms to scale back operations in Michigan, and damaged our relationship with our Canadian neighbors,” she said.

Back to School

As school starts back, state leadership expressed special concerns about inflation due to tariffs and how it is impacting Michigan families.

According to one report cited by the governor’s office, 39% of parents said they can’t afford back-to-school shopping this year, and 56% are cutting back on nonessential purchases to save money.

“It’s disheartening to see tariffs driving up the cost of essential supplies for our students,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Parents and educators are now facing higher prices for everyday items. Governor Whitmer and I will keep working with anyone to lower costs and ensure every child in Michigan can focus on what matters: learning and growing.”

Whitmer has explicitly blamed Republicans for these price increases.

“With the uncertainty tariffs are causing, teachers are paying more for school supplies and items that help make their classrooms the best learning environment it can be,” she said on Monday. “While Republicans in Washington continue forcing you to pay more, here in Michigan we will work to help you keep more of your money in your pocket.”

Michigan politicians on the national stage have also spoken out.

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Michigan and chair of the House GOP, said the concerns about inflation are unfounded.

“Don’t fall for Democrat fearmongering,” McClain said. “Republicans are delivering big, beautiful wins for the American people!”