Selfridge mission unites old foes Whitmer, Trump
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks as President Trump looks on at Selfridge Air National Guard Base last week. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
The new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a big win for Michigan's economy, highlighting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's evolving relationship with President Trump.
Why it matters: Prior to Trump's announcement last week that Selfridge will receive new fighter aircraft, the base's future — and the 30,000 jobs it supports — was uncertain because its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron will be retired beginning in 2026.
State of play: Selfridge will receive about 20 F-15EXs — a next-generation fighter aircraft — to replace the A-10s beginning in fiscal year 2028.
- Meanwhile, the A-10's retirement will happen gradually over the next several years, resulting in the loss of about 300 part-time and 25 full-time jobs.
- Whitmer said she is hopeful the new mission will minimize job losses, the Detroit News reported.
What they're saying: Trump made the announcement last Tuesday during a visit to the base on Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, about 30 miles northeast of Detroit.
- "I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense," Trump said.
Context: Selfridge's location is ideal for the new aircraft to fly over the Arctic toward Asia and other locations, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, told the Macomb Daily.
Between the lines: Despite their previous disagreements, Whitmer has taken a more cooperative approach during Trump's second term.
- Her strategy — in contrast to more combative Democratic governors — made news last month when Whitmer hid her face with file folders while being photographed in the Oval Office.
- Whitmer later explained that she simply didn't want her picture taken: "That's all it was. I kinda wish I hadn't put my folder up in front of my face. But whatever."
The latest: The Selfridge expansion outweighs any distress Whitmer endured in working with Trump to make it happen, the New York Times reports.
- "The fact that we got it done — all the grief is worth it," she told the Times. "The people of Michigan elected me twice because they know whether it's threats or pundits ridiculing me for going to the White House, I'm always going to stand up for the people of Michigan."
What's next: Selfridge is reconfiguring its runway and building a hangar and maintenance facilities to fit larger aircraft like the F-15EX, per the News.