Trump, with Whitmer at his side, announces new fighter wing for Michigan’s Selfridge air base 

BY JON KING, MICHIGAN ADVANCE

MICHIGAN—Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined President Donald Trump when he landed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County Tuesday, where he announced 21 new F-15EX fighter aircraft to be based there, as well as new KC-46A refueling tankers that had been previously announced.

Trump, who arrived in Michigan for an event at Macomb Community College to mark his first 100 days in office, was also joined by GOP Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for the announcement.

“For generations, the men and women of Selfridge have always been here, and they’ve always been for us,” Trump said. “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, they’ve always been for us. They’ve been for America. And under the Trump administration, we’re going to be there for you.”

Whitmer, who has drawn criticism from within her party for cooperating with Trump, said she hadn’t intended to speak at the event, but made brief remarks after being introduced by Trump.

“On behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we’re here to celebrate this recapitalization of Selfridge. It’s crucial for the Michigan economy. It’s crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future,” Whitmer said.

In a later press release, Whitmer said the new fighter mission would grow Michigan’s economy while keeping expert talent including pilots and maintenance workers in the state and cement Michigan’s leadership in national security for decades to come.

“This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,” Whitmer said in the release. “Because of our tireless work with partners on the ground in Macomb County and on both sides of the aisle, the future of Selfridge is bright, lasting, and secure. I’ll keep working with anyone to get things done on the kitchen-table issues and make a real difference for Michigan families.”

Trump thanked Whitmer for her efforts at keeping Selfridge open as an active duty base.

“So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing [Selfridge] to our attention,” Trump said. “I’m not supposed to do that. She’s a Democrat. They say, ‘Don’t do that. Don’t have her here.’ I said, no, she’s going to be here. She’s done a very good job, frankly, and she was very much involved with the Republicans. They worked together on saving it. And it was not easy. So I want to thank you very much, Gretchen. Good job.”

Earlier this month, Whitmer joined Trump in the Oval Office as an “honored” guest as he signed an executive order to address the issue of invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes, saying Whitmer is a “very good person” who has done “an excellent job” in Michigan.

The new F-15s at Selfridge will replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron scheduled to be retired next year. Without a defined squadron, the base had faced possible closure, with an ensuing loss of jobs and economic development for the region.

“It’s a key piece of our statewide defense strategy and foundational to Macomb’s and Southeast Michigan’s economy,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“This new fighter mission prevents the loss of about $30 million in wages. We’re excited for the future at Selfridge and for the future missions that will unfold while employing this great multirole fighter,” Rogers said.

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This coverage was republished from Michigan Advance pursuant to a Creative Commons license.