Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Detroit Auto Show today, discussing the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting business and creating good-paying local jobs amidst what was respectfully termed “national uncertainty.”

Unlike President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker during his Ford Motor River Rouge Plant visit in Dearborn, Michigan this week, where The Man Who Would Be King was caught on video flipping off a Ford worker [with the map of Manhattan – AutoCrat] while using gutter profanity, Whitmer was poised, pleasant, well-informed and inarguably committed to helping workers with a track record that proves it. Whitmer even had an announcement that will be good for all Michiganders, notwithstanding social status, wealth or power. Following are her remarks lightly edited for space and clarity.

“Hello, Detroit! I’m excited to be back at the best auto show in the world in the beating heart of the American auto industry. I’ve been here many, many times and this is my last show as governor. I’ll return as a visitor, but you won’t have me to kick around next year! So, while I have the mic, I got some things to say,” said Whitmer.

“I spoke here 1 year ago, less than a week before the presidential inauguration. Since then, both the American and global economy have been rocked by change. Costs are up and uncertainty is everywhere. America stands more alone than she has in decades.

“Perhaps no industry has seen more change or been more impacted than the auto industry. There have been a lot of challenges:

the ebb and flow of the shift to electric…
supply chain constraints…
tech-integration and autonomous vehicles…
workforce issues…
Not to mention the tariffs, which have taken a terrible toll.

“American manufacturing has contracted for nine straight months, leading to job losses and production cuts. Every industry that relies on a skilled, hands-on workforce is facing shortages, which will only get worse without a serious shift in national policy. We need a change.