Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer publicly thanked President Donald Trump on Wednesday during her 2026 State of the State address in Lansing, citing his role in recent manufacturing expansion and defense investment in the state.

Speaking before the Michigan House of Representatives chamber at the state Capitol, Whitmer highlighted new factories producing batteries, vehicles, and semiconductor chips in cities including Marshall, Lake Orion, Holland, Bay City, Calumet, Hemlock, Ann Arbor, and Delta Township. She also referenced the announcement of a new fighter mission coming to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.

“Probably not on the bingo card, but I want to thank President Trump for his work on this,” Whitmer said, drawing applause from lawmakers in the chamber.

The remarks follow multiple meetings between Whitmer and Trump at the White House, where they have discussed tariffs, manufacturing investment, and the Selfridge mission. During a prior Oval Office appearance, Trump praised Whitmer, saying she had done an “excellent job” and calling her “a great person.”

An earlier White House visit by Whitmer drew attention after she was photographed shielding her face from cameras. Her comments Wednesday marked a more direct acknowledgment of cooperation between the Democratic governor and the Republican president.

Trump campaigned on revitalizing American manufacturing and boosting domestic production. The recent industrial growth in Michigan and the Selfridge announcement represent key developments tied to those broader economic priorities.