Democratic governor credits Trump for delivering project for Michigan that Biden couldn't get over finish line

Democratic Michigan Gov.

Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday President Donald Trump has helped her deliver for the state, pointing to a specific fighter jet mission she tried to secure during the Biden administration but couldn't.

Whitmer spoke to Newsom on his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," and said she needed to figure out how to conduct herself after the 2024 presidential election because her state had voted for Trump again.

Newsom noted Whitmer had visited the White House , and the pair both agreed a working relationship with the president was "part of the job." "I've gotten some really good stuff done.

Honestly," she told Newsom.

"I got a fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base , and I tried to get that done under the Biden administration, couldn't get over the finish line, but I got it done with him.

So, that's a huge deal to Michigan." PROGRESSIVE PRAISE FOR TRUMP AS WARREN BACKS PUSH TO CURB DEFENSE CONTRACTOR CEO PAYOUTS Former President Joe Biden's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Whitmer appeared to be referring to Mission Next, which will replace the retiring A-10 Warthog aircraft based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets.

The mission is part of a modernization plan for the National Guard Base, according to the National Guard's website, which includes construction and infrastructure upgrades that will create jobs and new training opportunities.

Trump shared details of the new fighter jet mission in April 2025 during a speech to National Guard members at the Michigan base for an event commemorating his 100th day in office.

"Fresh off the line.

That means they are brand new," Trump said at the time.

"They've never been anywhere.

This is where they're going to be for a long time.