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Governor Whitmer makes bipartisan push to strengthen Michigan’s role in defense and manufacturing leadership.
Whitmer’s Strategic Manufacturing Plan Tackles Tariffs and Workforce Gaps
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In her first major address delivered in the nation’s capital, Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a bold appeal for bipartisanship in rebuilding American manufacturing, urging Washington to adopt a smarter, more targeted industrial strategy. Her “Build, America, Build Address” positioned Michigan not only as a model for national manufacturing resurgence but also as a frontline battleground in the struggle to recalibrate U.S. economic priorities amid rising global tensions.
Whitmer warned that the Trump administration’s recent enactment of across—the—board tariffs poses an existential risk to American industry, particularly in Michigan, where the auto sector represents roughly 20% of the economy. Instead, she proposed a focused reindustrialization strategy built on workforce development, infrastructure investment, and smarter trade tools.
“We do need to make more stuff in America… but it’s got to be done right,” Whitmer said. “Tariffs without strategy are a hammer without a target.”
Strategic Reindustrialization Needs Bipartisan Vision
Whitmer’s remarks arrive at a critical time. The U.S. is facing alarming gaps in shipbuilding, aviation, and semiconductor manufacturing—sectors where China is either dominant or closing in. In her speech, Whitmer noted that while China builds over 53% of the world’s ships, the U.S. builds a paltry 0.1%. Meanwhile, chip production and airplane manufacturing face steep workforce deficits.
Michigan, she said, is already mobilizing. Programs like the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative are training thousands of workers for shipbuilding roles. Whitmer announced plans to expand M3 statewide by connecting the Navy with Michigan’s 31 tribal and community colleges. This effort, she argued, is essential not just for economic growth but for national security.
“We are the tip of the spear—or torpedo—in facing this challenge,” she said.
Tariffs Threaten Michigan Auto Industry’s Stability and Jobs
Tariffs may be designed to push manufacturing back onshore, but their real-world effects in Michigan are already grim. Auto suppliers are halting expansions, workers are being laid off, and prices for consumers are rising. Whitmer cited estimates that new tariffs could cost families an average of $1,900 a year.
Auto dealerships are reporting anticipated price hikes of up to $15,000 per vehicle. Every auto industry job supports three more in the community, meaning cascading economic consequences throughout Michigan.
John Walsh, CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said in a statement, “We appreciate Governor Whitmer highlighting the strength of Michigan’s manufacturing footprint… Michigan can be well positioned to grow jobs through new manufacturing investments.”
Manufacturing Growth Needs Targeted Investment, Not Blanket Tariffs
Whitmer argued that a “strategic reindustrialization” approach is necessary—one that transcends political cycles and applies pressure where it counts. She acknowledged rare agreement with President Trump: that reshoring manufacturing is vital. But unlike the blunt-force method of mass tariffs, Whitmer proposes targeting them toward technologies the U.S. wants to dominate, like semiconductors, energy, and clean vehicles.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Emerges as Key Resource Hub
Whitmer also highlighted Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as home to critical minerals essential to chipmaking and energy storage. Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, praised the governor’s focus: “Economic and strategic opportunity runs through the U.P.”
This places the region squarely in national conversations about supply chain resilience, giving Michigan another unique advantage in attracting federal defense and manufacturing contracts.
Aerospace, Chips, and Defense Anchor a New Industrial Age
Beyond cars and ships, Whitmer detailed Michigan’s growing role in aerospace. Through bipartisan investments in the Selfridge Air National Guard Base and new hubs like Detroit’s Transportation Innovation Zone, the state is aiming to tackle a looming shortfall of 37,000 aviation technicians by 2028.
The same applies to semiconductors. The U.S. invented the chip but now trails in production. Whitmer pressed for continued federal-state cooperation, highlighting Michigan’s recent factory wins in batteries and data centers as proof of potential.
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