Trump Visits Michigan Amid Tensions with Governor Whitmer and COVID-19 Crisis

Strategic Insights -

President Donald Trump's visit to Michigan on Thursday, the home turf of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is expected to highlight the administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic in a pivotal battleground state. However, the trip comes amidst tensions between Trump and Whitmer, who has emerged as one of the president's most prominent foils in his bid to pressure states to reopen for business. Trump has been critical of Whitmer's handling of the pandemic and the state's stay-at-home restrictions, while Whitmer has repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump is visiting Michigan on Thursday to tout his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to boost his political standing in a pivotal battleground state.
  • The visit comes amidst tensions between Trump and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been critical of the federal government's handling of the pandemic.
  • Trump has been critical of Whitmer's stay-at-home restrictions and has cheered on protesters demanding a rollback of the orders.
  • The Trump administration has released new guidelines recommending states adopt a phased approach to reopening, but Michigan has not yet met the criteria for reopening.
  • Governor Whitmer has ordered manufacturing facilities to "suspend all non-essential in-person visits, including tours," which Trump plans to disregard by touring a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti that has been repurposed to make ventilators.
  • Trump spoke with Whitmer by phone on Wednesday and expressed interest in visiting flood-stricken Midland, which was devastated by dam failures that triggered record flooding.
  • Trump falsely accused Michigan of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters, which was later corrected by the state.

Statistics:

  • Michigan has the fourth highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S.
  • Thousands were ordered to evacuate this week over dam failures that triggered record flooding in Midland.
  • 7.7 million voters in Michigan have the option to request an absentee ballot for the August and November elections.

Sources:

  • USA TODAY: "Trump visits Michigan as governor disputes his claim about absentee ballots"
  • White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany
  • White House Spokesman Judd Deere
  • USA TODAY: "Michigan has fourth-most COVID-19 deaths in US, thousands more needed to evacuate"