Whitmer’s Tariff Strategy: A Balanced Approach Signals Bipartisanship Amid Democratic Divide (video)

Washington, D.C., April 09, 2025 – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is making waves with a distinctive stance on President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, advocating for a strategic, targeted approach rather than blanket measures. Speaking in Washington, D.C. on April 9, 2025, Whitmer critiqued the unpredictability of Trump’s tariffs while highlighting shared goals, such as boosting U.S. manufacturing. Her position sets her apart from fellow Democrats and positions her as a potential unifier in a deeply polarized political climate.

A Strategic Take on Tariffs

Whitmer’s remarks underscored her belief that tariffs should be wielded “like a scalpel, not a hammer.” She warned that the current erratic tariff strategy is “unstable, unpredictable, and damaging,” particularly for Michigan—a manufacturing powerhouse reliant on its auto industry. Trump’s policies, including a 125% tariff hike on Chinese imports and a short-lived imposition on major trading partners (later paused), have hit her state hard. Yet, Whitmer also acknowledged alignment with Trump’s vision, stating, “We need to make more stuff in America—more cars, chips, steel, and ships. We need fair trade.”

This nuanced perspective contrasts sharply with the broader Democratic backlash. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, for instance, slammed tariffs as a self-inflicted wound, tweeting, “The tariff hammer hits our own hand, raising prices and hurting American manufacturing.” Similarly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker dubbed them a “Trump Tax on Working Families,” while Minnesota’s Tim Walz criticized Trump’s grasp of trade fundamentals. A CBS/YouGov poll from March 2025 revealed that 70% of Democrats favor staunch opposition to Trump over compromise, amplifying the significance of Whitmer’s bipartisan leanings.

Michigan’s Economic Realities Shape Whitmer’s Stance

Whitmer’s approach is deeply rooted in Michigan’s economic landscape. The state’s auto sector, backed by the United Auto Workers (UAW), faces a dual reality: short-term tariff disruptions versus potential long-term job gains. Her push for exemptions in autos and energy reflects these priorities, as does her call for a “consistent national strategy” to revive U.S. manufacturing. Earlier this year, in February 2025, Whitmer labeled Trump’s tariffs a “middle-class tax hike,” warning of higher costs for essentials like groceries and cars, and risks to over a million jobs—a critique she has since tempered with a willingness to collaborate.

Her bipartisan overtures—including two meetings with Trump since his return to office—further highlight her pragmatic streak. This contrasts with the sharper rhetoric of peers like Polis, whose social media rebuke underscored party tensions. A Democratic strategist called her stance a “massive indictment” of her judgment, yet supporters see it as a calculated move to appeal to moderates and independents ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.

Bridge-Building in a Divided Landscape

Whitmer’s strategy could cement her as a bridge-builder in a fractured political arena. Her February 2025 State of the State address doubled down on finding common ground with Trump, spotlighting shared goals like advanced manufacturing and military projects. While this risks alienating progressive Democrats, it aligns with Michigan’s needs and bolsters her national profile as a leader willing to navigate complex dynamics.

As tariff debates heat up, Whitmer’s balanced approach offers a fresh lens on a divisive issue, blending critique with cooperation. Whether this gambit pays off politically remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks her as a standout figure in today’s discourse.