Overview
- In her final auto show keynote, the governor said tariffs are an unreliable fix for manufacturing and called for a clear national trade strategy.
- She cited nine consecutive months of U.S. manufacturing contraction to argue that policy unpredictability undermines long-term planning.
- Whitmer highlighted recent Michigan wins, including Stellantis investments in Detroit and Warren, GM’s ramp-up at Orion Assembly, and Ford’s BlueOval project in Marshall, along with supplier expansions.
- She urged lawmakers to expand Michigan Reconnect eligibility to age 21 to strengthen the auto workforce pipeline.
- Noting there are no vehicles built with 100% U.S.-made parts, she emphasized allied supply chains as President Trump continues to champion tariffs in recent Michigan visits.