WASHINGTON, D.C. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to the national stage to deliver a speech on building in America. The speech focused specifically on building ships, planes and semiconductors but had an overall theme of the need to bring manufacturing back to the United States.
Building More Ships
Governor Whitmer called for building more ships in the United States:
“Today, American shipbuilding output is a fraction of what it was in the 1950s. We build just zero-point-one percent (0.1%) of the world’s ships while China alone makes 53%… more than the rest of the world combined. Here’s another shocking stat: China’s largest, state-owned ship company built more ships by tonnage last year than we have over the past 80 years—since the end of World War II,” Whitmer stated.
Building More Planes
“We are the world leader in both commercial and military aviation. We’re home to industry giants and manufacturers up and down the supply chain. We have a strong network of allies around the globe in this space, including the UK’s Midlands Aerospace Alliance, who I met with 2 weeks ago. Our air superiority is second to none. But we face serious economic headwinds as our adversaries catch up.
Globally, we’re short 17,000 jets and plane travel shows no sign of slowing down, with an all-time high of 5.2 billion passengers last year. Because of the shortage, however, airlines are using older planes for longer, for an average of 14 years. There’s a huge opportunity here to meet demand and make a profit while maximizing market share.
China gets it. In fact, it’s their plan. They’re rapidly expanding their aviation industry—both military and commercial—and gaining momentum fast. They’re world leaders in drone manufacturing and just the second country, after us, to have two stealth fighter jets… the J-20 and the J-35. China’s largest passenger plane company, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation, COMAC, now makes models competing with the best-selling American-made planes on the market. They are on the verge of challenging Boeing and Airbus as a serious competitor. This should be a wake-up call,” Whitmer stated.
World Leader in Semiconductor Chips
Whitmer both called for more semiconductor chip manufacturing and highlighted Michigan’s success:
“Chips are the brains behind so much of what makes our lives work. They’re in our phones, cars, and appliances and critical for AI technology. Decades ago, we invented chips, and we used to make them too. But then, we just ceded ground to other nations, especially China. For a long time, we made zero logic and D-RAM chips, two of the most advanced types that we all rely on.
Thankfully, Republicans, Democrats, and industry leaders came together to do something about it. During President Trump’s first term, we started a serious national conversation about semiconductor manufacturing. A few years later, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to bring chip manufacturing back home. I’m grateful to so many in our congressional delegation who fought hard to get it across the finish line.
Now, because we worked together, we’re seeing real progress. An example from Michigan… Hemlock Semiconductor expanded in their hometown near Saginaw, with a new facility that will create more than 1,000 jobs. Hemlock is one of the world’s largest producers of hyper-pure polysilicon. You’re never more than a few feet away from Michigan-made polysilicon because it’s in nearly every electronic device in the world.”
Defends Michigan From Trump Tariff Regime
Whitmer began her speech carefully attacking the tariff regime put in place (and later dropped the same day of the speech) by the Trump White House:
“Before we dig in to my proposals today, I need to acknowledge what’s going on with tariffs. I’m not going to sugarcoat it… these last few days have been tough for Michigan. 20% of our economy is tied to the auto industry, which depends on a steady flow of goods from our largest and closest trading partners. We’re home to THE busiest international border crossing in North America. More than 10,000 vehicles carrying parts and materials cross the bridge between Detroit and Windsor every weekday.
We’re already seeing the impacts. Auto companies are stockpiling parts and laying off workers. Suppliers are facing higher costs and delaying expansions. Dealerships will be forced to raise prices by up to $15,000 amid slowing sales. And since every auto job supports three others in the community, the impact will be felt by countless small businesses across Michigan too.
Economist have pointed out that these tariffs represent the largest tax increase in nearly 60 years, costing families an average of $1,900. If you’re planning on having a cup of coffee, pumping gas, getting groceries, buying clothes for your kids, or meeting a friend for drinks… every single one of those transactions will cost more because of tariffs. At the same time, 401ks and IRAs are plunging, forcing older Americans to put off their retirement. Home prices will go up, putting homeownership further out of reach for young people.
It’s a triple whammy… higher costs, fewer jobs, more uncertainty… and it could not come at a worse time. People are struggling after years of inflation and wages that just won’t keep up. They want a government focused on lowering the cost-of-living. Instead, what they’re getting is the opposite… less money in their pockets and more doubts about their future paychecks. Critical government services getting defunded as they’re needed most.”
Reactions
Visiting the Oval Office later in the day, Whitmer was praised by Donald Trump:
“We’re honored to have Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, great state of Michigan… she’s really done an excellent job. A very good person,” The President said – a sharp change from 2020 when he used his bully pulpit to rile up sometimes violent opposition to who he called, “That Woman from Michigan.”
Others reacted to the speech directly:
“Michigan plays a pivotal role in our nations defense,” said Mark A. Hackel, Macomb County Executive. “From the service women and men who stand ready at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to our ever-expanding network of defense contractors who build the most advanced equipment that keeps our nation strong, we are committed to protecting and growing our states military advantage.”
“As the state with the seventh most manufacturing companies in the nation, Michigan is well positioned to benefit from reshoring of manufacturing companies,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “We appreciate Governor Whitmer highlighting the strength Michigan’s manufacturing footprint and the opportunity for growth through state and federal partnerships. Michigan is a manufacturing state and with the right state and federal policies, Michigan can be well positioned to grow jobs through new manufacturing investments.”
“MichAuto applauds the bipartisan work under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to strengthen domestic manufacturing in Michigan,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The expansion of workforce training and development programs like the Going PRO and the SOAR funds has helped make Michigan a leading state in new clean energy and vehicle manufacturing, and the new R&D tax credit and Innovation Fund continue to improve the state’s global competitiveness.”
