Actions

Trump claims Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 'wants to be a dictator in Michigan'

Posted
and last updated

President Donald Trump once again went after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday morning during an interview on Fox Business.

Trump made the comments while criticizing states who he believed had not lifted COVID-19 restrictions quickly enough.

"(Whitmer) wants to be a dictator in Michigan, and they can't stand her," Trump said.

He added that the believed people in Michigan wanted to get back to work.

Trump and Whitmer have sparred in the media for months.

Last week, while giving a statement after the FBI announced it had foiled a militia group's attempt to kidnap her, Whitmer sharply criticized Trump for "stoking distrust" and "giving comfort to those who spread fear and division."

"This should be a moment for national unity where we all pull together as Americans to meet this challenge head-on," she said.

A day after that statement, Trump lashed out at Whitmer.

"Gov. Whitmer of Michigan has done a terrible job. She locked down her state for everyone, except her husband's boating activities," Trump said.

He also tweeted that Whitmer should "open up your state, open up your schools, and open up your churches!" However, churches in Michigan are open, and some schools are open for in-person classes as well.

This story was originally published by WXYZ in Detroit.

Sign up for the Headline Newsletter and receive up to date information.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Tuesday

10/21/2025

Mostly Sunny

85° / 59°

1%

Wednesday

10/22/2025

Partly Cloudy

73° / 56°

8%

Thursday

10/23/2025

Partly Cloudy

73° / 54°

5%

Friday

10/24/2025

Sunny

77° / 54°

5%

Saturday

10/25/2025

Partly Cloudy

75° / 55°

4%

Sunday

10/26/2025

Partly Cloudy

72° / 52°

11%

Monday

10/27/2025

Sunny

73° / 52°

4%

Tuesday

10/28/2025

Sunny

74° / 53°

2%