WASHINGTON – What does the future hold for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan? President Donald Trump spoke about that this week.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, where she discussed tariffs and job market growth. During her trip, she met with Trump in the Oval Office, where they addressed the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“We’re working hard with Democrats, the governor, with Matt Hall, with a lot of transportation, with all of the people, trying to keep Selfridge Air Force Base open, strong, thriving,” Trump said.
The meeting took many by surprise, including Whitmer, who was invited in. Trump expressed optimism about the base’s future.
“I think we’re going to be successful, governor,” Trump said. “I think we’ll be very successful that we’ve gotten some good feedback from Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense.”
The future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been uncertain in recent years. In early 2024, the Air Force announced that Selfridge would receive 12 new KC-46A refueling tankers to replace the retiring KC-135 tankers. However, the A-10 fighter is also being retired, and there is currently no replacement planned for Selfridge.
In an interview last year, Major General Paul Rogers voiced concerns about the potential downsizing of Selfridge.
“I think the future of Selfridge is not (in jeopardy),” Rogers said. “What that future is at Selfridge definitely is.”
On Wednesday, the topic of Selfridge’s future was a focal point in the Oval Office. Michigan Speaker of the House Hall emphasized to Trump the importance of securing another mission for the base.
“It’ll be critical to Michigan’s economy and security when you’re able to deliver us another mission there,” Hall said.
Trump responded positively, indicating that an additional fighting mission at Selfridge is a real possibility.
“They’re talking about F-16s, F-35s,” Trump said. “It’s a great piece of property, great location, and it’s a great state. I think we’re going to come back with a very good answer.”
