Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Gretchen Whitmer.
Gretchen Whitmer is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the 49th Governor of Michigan since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Whitmer's political career includes time in the Michigan House of Representatives (2001-2006) and the Michigan Senate (2006-2015). She is a prominent figure in Michigan politics, currently holding the state's highest office.
1945: Emergency Powers of Governor Act
Gretchen Whitmer issued her COVID-19-related orders under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.
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1976: Emergency Management Act
In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the 1976 Emergency Management Act "did not give Whitmer the power, after April 30, to issue or renew any executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic after 28 days without Legislative approval".
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2012: "Right-to-Work" Law Enacted
In March 2023, Whitmer repealed the 2012 "right-to-work" Law
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March 2020: Issued Stay-at-Home Order
In March 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order in Michigan.
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April 2020: Protest Against Restrictions
In April 2020, right-wing groups organized a protest against Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan State Capitol.
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May 2020: Edenville Dam Failure
In May 2020, the Edenville Dam gave way after awaiting an overdue report on its safety standards, leading to criticism of the investigation.
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June 1, 2020: Lifted Stay-at-Home Order
On June 1, 2020, Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan's stay-at-home order and moved the state to "phase four" of her reopening plan.
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September 2020: COVID-19 orders issued
Gretchen Whitmer issued COVID-19 related orders between March through September 2020.
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October 8, 2020: Federal Indictment Unsealed Against Men Plotting to Kidnap Whitmer
On October 8, 2020, a federal indictment against six men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen, a Michigan-based militia group, was unsealed. The indictment charges the men with plotting to kidnap Governor Whitmer and violently overthrow Michigan's government.
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October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court Decision
In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act was unconstitutional.
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December 2020: Vetoed Repeal of Emergency Powers Act
In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.
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2020: Disapproved Trump's Census Plan
In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer disapproved of then president Trump's plan to exclude illegal immigrants from the 2020 United States census.
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May 2021: Apologized for Social Distancing Violation
In May 2021, Gretchen Whitmer apologized after being photographed with a large group of unmasked people at a restaurant in East Lansing, violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.
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July 2021: Legislature Approved Citizen Initiative
In July 2021, the Michigan legislature voted to approve the citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which Gretchen Whitmer could not veto.
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April 2022: Acquittal of Two Men in Kidnapping Plot Trial
In April 2022, two men (Harris and Caserta) were acquitted on all charges related to the plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer on grounds of entrapment by federal authorities.
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August 2022: Conviction of Two Men in Kidnapping Plot Trial
In August 2022, two men (Fox and Barry Croft Jr.) were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap Governor Whitmer.
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October 2022: Conviction of Three Men in Kidnapping Plot Trial
In October 2022, three men (Morrison, Musico, and Bellar) were convicted of providing material support for a terrorist act related to the plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer.
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