Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has voiced her deep disappointment following President Donald Trump’s recent acknowledgment that he might consider pardoning individuals convicted of conspiring to kidnap her in 2020. Her reaction underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the case and the broader issue of political violence in the United States.
During an interview with WOOD-TV on Thursday, Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, expressed her dismay over the possibility of such a pardon. She also conveyed her intention to communicate her concerns directly to the White House. Additionally, Whitmer condemned political violence in all its forms, referencing her own experience of being targeted in July 2024 when an assassination attempt was made against her at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“When the incident in Pennsylvania occurred, I was among the first to denounce it from both sides of the political spectrum,” Whitmer stated. “We must unequivocally condemn acts of political violence, regardless of their origin or target. Engaging in or supporting such actions only undermines our democracy and does a disservice to everyone involved.”
Trump’s remarks were made during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Wednesday, where he officially swore in Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. When asked whether he was considering pardoning the accused, Trump told reporters, “I will look into it. It’s been brought to my attention.” He added, “I reviewed the trial, and it seemed to me like a bit of a railroad job. Honestly, some of the things I heard during the proceedings sounded quite dull.”
In October 2020, during his first term in office, the Department of Justice announced charges against more than a dozen individuals linked to the Wolverine Watchmen, a far-right militia group involved in the alleged plot to abduct Whitmer. The investigation resulted in nine convictions and guilty pleas, with five defendants acquitted after trial.
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On the same day the Justice Department revealed the initial arrests related to the Whitmer kidnapping plot, Trump took to social media to criticize her. He wrote, “Governor Whitmer of Michigan has done a terrible job. My Justice Department and Federal Law Enforcement announced today that they thwarted a dangerous plan against her. Despite this, she still calls me a White Supremacist.”
Trump’s recent statement about potentially pardoning the conspirators, especially the two leaders-Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr.-who are serving lengthy sentences, was discussed on the Breanna Morello Show podcast. His legal advisor, Ed Martin Jr., emphasized that the administration is considering a “serious review” of the case, indicating a possible shift in stance regarding the defendants’ sentences.
“We cannot leave these individuals behind,” Martin Jr. stated, highlighting the administration’s interest in revisiting the case and potentially issuing pardons.
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Gretchen Whitmer: A Rising Star with Eyes on the 2028 Presidential Race
Many political analysts see Whitmer as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 presidential election. Michigan, a pivotal swing state with 15 electoral votes, has historically played a decisive role in national elections, making her a prominent figure in future campaigns.
Currently serving her second term, Whitmer maintains a solid approval rating of approximately 63%, according to a recent Influence Analysis poll conducted in May. Her leadership style and focus on bipartisan cooperation have positioned her as a potential unifying figure within the Democratic Party, especially as she advocates for working across party lines rather than opposing former President Trump.
While she has been vocal about her willingness to collaborate with Trump on certain issues, Whitmer has not officially declared her candidacy for the 2028 race. During a July 2024 interview with the Detroit Free Press, she explicitly stated, “I have no plans to run for president now or in the near future. I am focused on my current responsibilities and serving the people of Michigan.”
