Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is navigating tricky political terrain in her working relationship with President Trump ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Whitmer was the target of criticism from both the left and right for her White House visit with Trump last week, in which her staff said she was surprised to be brought into the Oval Office during the president’s press conference.

The New York Times published a photo of her in the room appearing to cover her face with folders during the press event, garnering ridicule on both sides of the aisle.

Trump notably praised Whitmer during the presser, saying he was “honored” to host her at the White House.

“She’s really done an excellent job and is a really good person,” the president told reporters, marking a contrast from his 2020 criticism of Whitmer as “the woman in Michigan.”

But others were less enthused. Whitmer faced criticism online for the visit, including from some Michigan Democrats.

Michigan state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D) wrote on X that “appeasement and ass kissing bullies and dictators is not a strategy,” while the state’s Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) wrote “appeasement is not a workable strategy with a fascist.” Neither mentioned Whitmer by name.

Friday’s events underscore the challenging political position Whitmer faces as the governor of a quintessential purple state, which she and Trump have both won.

One national Democratic strategist noted that it was time for Whitmer’s critics online and in the media “to go outside and touch grass,” while a Michigan Democratic operative said it was “the........

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