Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a rising figure in Democratic politics and a possible 2028 presidential contender, was mocked online this week after a photo surfaced of her shielding her face with a folder during a surprise press event in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump.
Caught Off Guard in the Oval Office
Whitmer believed she was walking into a one-on-one meeting with the president to discuss recovery efforts after a severe ice storm, funding for Selfridge Air National Guard base, and the future of Michigan’s auto industry. Instead, she walked into a media-heavy moment where Trump signed executive orders with cameras rolling.
In the viral moment, Whitmer briefly lifted a folder to cover her face while standing between senior White House officials. The moment, captured by photographers and shared widely, quickly went viral.
“Gretchen Whitmer hiding behind her files in the White House is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen,” one X user posted.
Another added, “Whitmer covering her face is the perfect metaphor for the Democratic Party.”
Online Mockery & Political Fallout
Critics online wasted no time comparing Whitmer’s action to a child hiding in embarrassment. Some users even referenced her controversial 2024 social media photo where she placed a Dorito in a podcaster’s mouth—an image that drew backlash for appearing to mock Christian rituals.
“Was this the nail in the coffin of Gretchen Whitmer’s political aspirations?” one post questioned.
Trump’s Surprising Praise
Ironically, Trump praised Whitmer, despite their rocky relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She’s really done an excellent job. And a very good person,” Trump said during the event.
Policy Talk & Tariff Discussion
Beyond the viral moment, Whitmer used her Washington trip to highlight her concerns over Trump’s tariffs, especially how they impact Michigan’s auto-driven economy. She emphasized the need for strategic use of tariffs, not blanket enforcement.
“I’m not against tariffs outright,” she said. “But it is a blunt tool. You can’t just pull out the tariff hammer to swing at every problem.”
Whitmer’s bipartisan message came just before Trump announced a pause in tariffs for most countries—excluding China.
Source: FOX News
