Trump praises Dem Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after slamming her last year: 'Very good person'

Fox News - Apr 10th, 2025

President Donald Trump recently commended Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, calling her 'very good person' and praising her efforts during a meeting in the Oval Office. This marks a notable shift from his previous criticism of Whitmer as a 'terrible governor.' The meeting discussed key issues such as the northern Michigan ice storm, economic investments in Michigan, and the preservation of the Great Lakes. Trump's remarks were part of a broader dialogue about cooperation between state and federal levels to enhance American jobs and infrastructure.

The sudden change in Trump's tone toward Whitmer highlights a potential shift in his approach to bipartisan collaboration. This could have significant implications for federal-state relations, especially in swing states like Michigan. Governor Whitmer, known for her support of Kamala Harris during the 2024 election, expressed gratitude for Trump's acknowledgment of Michigan's needs. The announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs, which Whitmer had criticized for harming local businesses, is seen as a step toward economic relief. This development emphasizes the ongoing negotiations and adjustments in U.S. economic policies affecting states individually.

Donald Trump Economic Policy Michigan Tariffs Gretchen Whitmer Bipartisanship Oval Office Great Lakes

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a generally accurate and timely account of the meeting between President Trump and Governor Whitmer, highlighting key political and economic discussions. It effectively captures the evolving relationship between the two figures, offering insights into their interactions and the broader political landscape. However, the story could benefit from additional sources and perspectives to enhance its balance and depth. While it is clear and engaging, the article would be strengthened by more detailed analysis of the meeting's outcomes and the implications for Michigan's economy and national politics.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports President Trump's praise of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, describing her as a 'very good person' and acknowledging her work positively. This aligns with documented events where Trump expressed such sentiments during a meeting in the Oval Office. However, the story should verify past criticisms of Whitmer by Trump, as it references a shift in his stance without specific examples. The article also correctly states the topics discussed during the meeting, such as tariffs and economic policies, but it would benefit from more precise details about the outcomes of these discussions.

Balance

The article presents both Trump's praise and previous criticisms of Governor Whitmer, providing a balanced view of the evolving relationship between the two politicians. However, it leans slightly towards highlighting the positive aspects of their interaction without delving into Whitmer's or other political figures' critiques of Trump's policies. Including more perspectives from Whitmer or other Michigan state officials regarding the meeting's outcomes would enhance the balance.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively conveys the main points of the story, such as Trump's praise for Whitmer and the topics discussed during their meeting. The language is neutral and accessible, making it easy for readers to comprehend the content. However, the inclusion of more specific details about the meeting's outcomes would enhance the clarity and depth of the article.

Source quality

The story cites statements from a White House spokesperson and a Whitmer spokesperson, which are credible sources for the information presented. However, the article relies on a single media outlet, Fox News Digital, which may introduce bias. Including additional sources, such as independent analysts or other media outlets, would improve the reliability and depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides some context for the meeting between Trump and Whitmer, mentioning the topics discussed and the political background. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the claims, such as how the statements were obtained or verified. Additionally, the article does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources cited, which could affect the reader's understanding of the impartiality of the information.