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Michigan Gov. Whitmer aims to find common ground with President-elect Trump

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez) (Jose Juarez, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

DETROIT – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took the stage at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show on Wednesday, highlighting her focus on seeking common ground with President-elect Donald Trump.

During her speech on Jan. 15, 2025, just days before Inauguration Day, she focused on how she doesn’t want to pick a fight with Trump while they have their difference but won’t back down from one.

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Trump will be sworn into office as President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2025.

Seeking common ground with Trump, GOP

“Everyone swore an oath to the people we serve,” said Whitmer. “The people expect us to find common ground.”

“I don’t want to pretend we’re always going to agree, but I will always seek collaboration first,” said the Democratic governor about working with Trump.

“I won’t go looking for fights. I won’t back down from them, either,” she continued. “I’m not here to play games—I’ve got a job to do.”

She called on her friends in the Republican party and fellow Democrats to seek common ground during her speech on Jan. 15, 2025.

After talking about the political differences, she went on in her speech to touch on her vision and what’s on the road ahead for Michigan.

“For America to win, we must all recognize that all of us are on the same team,” said Whitmer. “Both our state and national economy depend on our ability to work together—in Lansing and with our partners in D.C.”

You can listen to her full speech at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show below:


About the Author
Samantha Sayles headshot

Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint.