Governor Gretchen Whitmer published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal calling for changes to federal tariff policy, arguing it is harming Michigan's economy and families.
"A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable," Whitmer wrote in the op-ed. She said she recently called the president to relay how the tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families.
According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Michigan families have borne the highest tariff burden among U.S. states, paying more than $5,600 per household since January 2025, according to figures cited in Whitmer's op-ed.
The Democratic governor said her administration has worked to lower living costs through state programs while federal officials address trade policy. The state has expanded free pre-kindergarten programs, provided free school meals, cut taxes by more than $1 billion, rolled back a retirement tax for 500,000 households, expanded the earned income tax credit for working families, eliminated state taxes on tips and overtime, and raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour, according to Whitmer.