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The governor at a food distribution site recently. (Photo: State of Mi
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lashes out at President Donald Trump, accusing him ramping up hatred during a phone call on Monday.
"I joined a call with my fellow governors and the current president that was deeply disturbing," Whitmer said Monday in a statement. "Instead of offering support or leadership to bring down the temperature at protests, President Trump told governors to ‘put it down’ or we would be ‘overridden.’ He said governors should ‘dominate’ protesters, ‘or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks.’
"The president repeatedly and viciously attacked governors, who are doing everything they can to keep the peace while fighting a once-in-a-generation global pandemic."
Whitmer called Trump's comments "dangerous" because "they send a clear signal that this administration is determined to sow the seeds of hatred and division, which I fear will only lead to more violence and destruction. We must reject this way of thinking. This is a moment that calls for empathy, humanity, and unity."
Trump and Whitmer have been sniping since the start of the pandemic in March. She has criticized him not doing enough to fight Covid. He has attacked her for not showing enough appreciation for what he's done.
She has also been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate, further straining their relationship.
Whitmer has said she fears that challenging Trump could impact federal aid for Michigan.
