Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Gretchen Whitmer

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2026

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Gretchen Whitmer.

Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th and current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, she previously held positions in the Michigan House of Representatives (2001-2006) and the Michigan Senate (2006-2015).

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2012: Enactment of "Right-to-Work" Law

In 2012, Michigan enacted a "right-to-work law" that Whitmer later repealed.

July 2, 2016: Dunnings Resigned

On July 2, 2016, Stuart Dunnings III resigned as Ingham County Prosecutor, effective this date, after being charged with misconduct in office and with prostitution-related offenses.

2018: Healthcare Stance

In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer spoke against single-payer healthcare as unrealistic on a state level, but expressed support for federal-level Medicare for All. She also pledged to lower prescription drug costs and repeal Schuette's drug immunity law, which she believed protected drug companies from legal accountability if their drugs harmed or killed people.

March 2020: Trump's comment about "the woman in Michigan"

In March 2020, President Donald Trump reportedly told Vice President Mike Pence, "don't call the woman in Michigan" in response to Gretchen Whitmer's criticisms of his administration's COVID-19 pandemic response. This event in March 2020 led to Whitmer embracing the description.

April 2020: Armed Protestors at Michigan State Capitol

In April 2020 armed protestors demonstrated at the Michigan State Capitol, leading to calls for a ban on weapons inside the building.

April 2020: Protests Against Restrictions

In April 2020, right-wing groups organized a protest against Governor Whitmer's COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan State Capitol.

September 2020: COVID-19 Orders Issued

In September 2020, Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders, which were issued from March through September 2020, were under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.

October 8, 2020: Federal Indictment for Kidnapping Plot

On October 8, 2020, a federal indictment was unsealed against six men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen for plotting to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer and violently overthrow Michigan's government.

October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court Decision

In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act was unconstitutional, limiting Whitmer's power to issue COVID-19 related executive orders without legislative approval.

December 2020: Veto of Repeal Legislation

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed the legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.

May 2021: Apologized for Restaurant Incident

In May 2021, Gretchen Whitmer apologized after being photographed with a large group of unmasked people, with no social distancing, at a restaurant in East Lansing, violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.

July 2021: Repeal of 1945 Act Approved

In July 2021, the legislature approved a citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which took effect as Whitmer could not veto it.

April 2022: Acquittal of Harris and Caserta

In April 2022, two men (Harris and Caserta) were acquitted on all charges on grounds of entrapment by federal authorities in connection to the kidnapping plot.

August 2022: Conviction of Fox and Croft Jr.

In August 2022, two men (Fox and Barry Croft Jr.) were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer.

October 2022: Conviction of Morrison, Musico, and Bellar

In October 2022, three men (Morrison, Musico, and Bellar) were convicted of providing material support for a terrorist act in connection to the kidnapping plot.

October 2024: Controversy over Dorito chip video

In October 2024, Gretchen Whitmer appeared in a viral video promoting the CHIPS and Science Act, where she fed a Dorito chip to a podcaster. This clip was criticized by some Catholic groups. Whitmer apologized and clarified that the stunt was intended to promote semiconductor manufacturing legislation. The event happened in October 2024.