Embattled Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses her political future: 'I ain't going anywhere' [View all]

Source: LA Times

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer drew a huge crowd to USC’s Bovard Theater at the L.A. Times Festival of Books on Sunday, where she addressed her recent photo-op with President Trump and her potential presidential run in 2028.

“People often ask me, ‘How did you get elected in a state like Michigan?’” Whitmer told an attentive audience. “I think it’s because people in Michigan believe that I am always going to put their interests first, even if it means threats or ridicule in the last month.”

The discussion with L.A. Times reporter Jessica Gelt was technically about Whitmer’s latest book “True Gretch — Young Adult Edition: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference.” However, the conversation broadly addressed Whitmer’s professed commitment to understanding political differences, even when it puts her in hot water — as was the case after she was recently photographed alongside Trump at the White House as he signed two executive orders targeting his perceived political enemies. In some of the photos, the Democratic governor appears to attempt to hide her face behind a folder.

“Even as recently as a few weeks ago, I got caught in a situation that I never would have anticipated in a million years,” said Whitmer, directly addressing the situation on Sunday. “I got stuck in this press conference, and I disagreed with all the actions that were taken, all the rhetoric that was stated, but I had to stay to ask for help for Michigan.”

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2025-04-27/gretchen-whitmer-trump-political-career-festival-of-books