MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — Business leaders and policymakers gathered at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Michigan’s economy.
In her keynote address Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the state’s strengths but expressed significant concern about the uncertainty stemming from Washington, D.C.
“I think one of the palpable feelings is concern about the uncertainty coming out of Washington, D.C.,” Whitmer said, highlighting the anxiety surrounding the administration’s trade policies.
Michigan’s economy is particularly vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on manufacturing, agriculture, and the automotive industry. The governor warned that tariffs and ongoing trade tensions could deliver a hard blow to these key sectors.
“The tariff talk takes a toll, and Michigan is uniquely vulnerable,” Whitmer said. “We are a big manufacturing state, we have a ton of agriculture and we’re heavily in the autos. All three of those things make Michigan more susceptible to the hardship that comes with the uncertainty and paralysis that follows. And we’re already seeing it in Michigan.”
Despite the challenges posed by federal trade policy, Whitmer emphasized that Michigan can take steps to strengthen its economy at the state level. She pointed to investments in infrastructure, education, and economic diversification as critical areas of focus.
“I can’t control what’s happening in Washington, D.C., in regards to tariffs. I can try to inform it and I take every opportunity to do that,” Whitmer said. “But what I can do is make sure we shore up the fundamentals like roads; making sure we are educating our kids, a focus on literacy; and landing a chip plant, which would be diversifying. All these things are things that we can do in Michigan. They’re hard, but we can do hard things.”
The conference continues as leaders debate how best to navigate the uncertain economic landscape while seeking new opportunities for growth in Michigan.
