Gretchen Whitmer’s Spokesperson Addresses Photo Of Her Shielding Her Face With A Binder In The Oval Office

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in April 2025.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing scrutiny after a strange moment at the White House this week — one that has reignited questions about her political ambitions and her approach to bipartisanship.

During a Wednesday visit to the Oval Office, Whitmer appeared visibly uncomfortable as she stood near President Donald Trump while he addressed reporters. The 53-year-old Democrat, widely seen as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, was caught on camera attempting to shield her face using a stack of blue binders, sparking a wave of reactions online.

Flanked by White House aides, Whitmer looked anything but at ease. Her actions seemed to signal a desire to disassociate herself from the Republican former president, despite being part of a bipartisan delegation visiting D.C. to discuss key issues affecting Michigan, including tariffs, national defense, and a recent ice storm.

Critics were quick to pounce on the awkward scene.

“It’s not often you can pinpoint the exact second a political career takes a nosedive — but this might be it,” wrote political commentator Keith Olbermann on social media.

Sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith offered a more measured take. Speaking on ABC News, Smith said, “She’s the governor of Michigan — she doesn’t have the luxury of ignoring the federal government. Whether you like the president or not, doing business with Washington is part of the job.”

Reports also described Whitmer as looking “glum” during Trump’s press briefing, as the president signed a series of executive orders. While her posture seemed to communicate disapproval, others online praised what they saw as a form of silent protest.

One Reddit user wrote, “Good for her. She didn’t take the bait. That was a media trap.” Another commented, “She walked into a setup. This wasn’t what she signed up for, and she handled it as best she could.”

Whitmer’s office later clarified the situation, telling CNN that the governor was “caught off guard” by the unscheduled press conference and was unaware it would take place during her visit.

A spokesperson stated the governor was caught off guard when she was unexpectedly ushered into the Oval Office during the president’s press briefing. “Her presence should not be viewed as an endorsement of the remarks made or actions taken during that appearance.”

At a separate event, Whitmer addressed the controversy herself, explaining that while she wasn’t pleased to be in the room, she remained because “fighting for Michigan” was her top priority.

Despite the tension, Trump extended an olive branch during the appearance, saying, “We’re honored to have Governor Whitmer here. She’s done a great job — very good person.” The praise marked a dramatic departure from his past criticisms of Whitmer during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he accused her of blaming the federal government for Michigan’s struggles.

Whether Whitmer’s reaction at the White House will hurt her politically remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the moment has reignited debate over how public officials navigate uncomfortable alliances in Washington.