Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made headlines this week during her high-profile visit to Toronto, where she addressed the Empire Club of Canada on October 1, 2025. Her speech, which tackled the contentious issue of U.S.-Canada trade relations and the impact of tariffs on the North American automotive industry, has stirred discussion on both sides of the border. Whitmer’s remarks, delivered to a packed room of business leaders and policymakers, also reignited speculation about her political future after her term as governor ends in 2028.
During the event, Whitmer did not shy away from criticizing former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. According to POLITICO, she called the White House’s “insults” toward Canada both “unwise” and “unjustified,” a sentiment that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. “I’ve sat with the president and told him that when we say no to Canada, it is saying yes to China,” Whitmer declared, underscoring her belief that protectionist policies threaten the very foundation of North American industry. She didn’t mince words about the risks: “China would love nothing more than to watch us cripple our own economies. We cannot afford to serve them the North American auto ecosystem on a silver platter.”
Whitmer’s concerns are not just theoretical. She emphasized the real-world consequences of a decline in trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, warning that such a scenario would lead to “massive job losses, widespread supply chain disruptions, and shortages of fuel, parts and produce.” As reported by Michigan Advance, she made it clear that these are not risks she is willing to ignore, even if her influence is limited at the federal level. “I don’t have the authority to control the national tariff rate,” Whitmer acknowledged, “but I have voiced those concerns with the White House.”
Armed with hard-hitting statistics, Whitmer painted a picture of growing discontent with the tariffs back home. She told the Toronto crowd that “sixty percent of Americans think Trump has gone too far with tariffs,” and pointed out that “even one in four Republicans don’t want anything to do with them,” according to POLITICO. This bipartisan skepticism, she suggested, should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers in Washington.
Whitmer’s trip to Toronto wasn’t all business, though. She made sure to connect with her Canadian hosts on a personal level, referencing shared interests like hockey and craft beer. She also highlighted her earlier meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, describing him as “a joy” to work with. The camaraderie between the two leaders, as reported by POLITICO, was a welcome contrast to the recent tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
But the burning question on the minds of many attendees—and indeed, political observers across North America—was what Whitmer plans to do after she leaves the governor’s mansion in 2028. Her name has frequently appeared on Democratic shortlists as a potential presidential nominee or vice-presidential pick, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Yet, Whitmer has consistently played down such speculation. In a conversation with Canadian journalist Steve Paikin following her speech, she offered yet another hint that a White House bid may not be in her future.
“I got a big job right now to stay focused on, and I’m going to do that,” Whitmer told Paikin, as reported by Michigan Advance. “I don’t want to take my eye off the ball and go out having missed something, having lost something, having a catastrophe happen under my watch.” She went on to say, “I don’t know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter, but I want to have a hand in writing it, and I think I’ve got an important vantage point as the governor of an important swing state. And so I anticipate helping, but I don’t know if I’m going to be the person.”
This measured response has become something of a trademark for Whitmer. While she acknowledges the “big compliment” of being considered for national office, her focus remains firmly on Michigan. She has repeatedly emphasized the importance of finishing her term and ensuring that her state continues to play a vital role in the broader North American economy.
Whitmer’s stance on trade and tariffs has resonated with many in both the U.S. and Canada, particularly given the intertwined nature of the automotive sector. The industry relies heavily on cross-border supply chains, and disruptions caused by tariffs can have ripple effects that extend far beyond factory floors. Her argument that “when we say ‘no’ to Canada, we say ‘yes’ to China” has struck a chord with business leaders who fear that protectionism could ultimately benefit America’s global competitors.
Her advocacy for closer U.S.-Canada cooperation also comes at a time when both countries are grappling with broader economic and geopolitical challenges. As POLITICO noted, Whitmer’s call to “stop the madness” of a trade war was met with loud applause, signaling widespread fatigue with ongoing trade disputes. She pledged to “keep the pressure on Washington,” making it clear that she sees her role as governor not just as a state leader, but as a regional advocate for economic stability.
Whitmer’s visit to Toronto was more than just a diplomatic gesture; it was a strategic move to reinforce the importance of cross-border partnerships. Her meeting with Premier Doug Ford and her warm references to Canadian culture signaled a desire to build bridges at a time when political rhetoric has often focused on division.
For now, Whitmer is content to leverage her “important vantage point” as governor of Michigan, a key swing state with deep economic ties to Canada. While she may not be ready to declare her candidacy for higher office, her actions and words in Toronto suggest she intends to remain a significant player in shaping the next chapter of North American relations—whether she’s in the spotlight or working behind the scenes.
As the dust settles from her Toronto appearance, Whitmer’s message remains clear: the future of the North American auto industry and the broader economy depends on cooperation, not confrontation. Her commitment to that vision, coupled with her refusal to be distracted by political ambition, has set her apart as a leader focused on results rather than headlines.
In an era marked by uncertainty and shifting alliances, Whitmer’s approach offers a reminder that diplomacy and pragmatism still have a place in politics. Whether or not she seeks higher office, her influence on U.S.-Canada relations—and the future of the industries that connect them—is likely to endure.
