Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Gretchen Whitmer

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

Gretchen Whitmer is the current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, her political career includes terms in the Michigan House of Representatives (2001-2006) and the Michigan Senate (2006-2015) before becoming governor. As governor, she has focused on issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Sections (6)

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

1931: Reference to 1931 Abortion Ban

In January 2023, Gretchen Whitmer called for a repeal of Michigan's now defunct 1931 abortion ban.

2013: Revealed Sexual Assault

In 2013, Gretchen Whitmer received national recognition when she revealed that she had been the victim of rape during her freshman year at Michigan State University, during a debate about abortion rights.

March 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Issued

In March 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order for Michigan.

March 2020: Trump's Remark and Whitmer's Response

In late March 2020, President Donald Trump reportedly told Vice President Mike Pence, "don't call the woman in Michigan," seemingly in response to Whitmer's criticism of the Trump administration's initial COVID-19 pandemic response. This event brought national attention to Whitmer.

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.

June 1, 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Lifted

On June 1, 2020, Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan's stay-at-home order, moving the state to "phase four" of her reopening plan.

September 2020: Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders issued

In September 2020, Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders, issued under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, were in effect. Republicans criticized her use of the law.

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 Gretchen Whitmer and violently overthrow Michigan's government.

October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court decision on Emergency Powers Act

In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act was unconstitutional and 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. On the same day, a group called "Unlock Michigan" turned in 460,000 valid citizen signatures to the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, seeking to trigger an initiative to repeal the 1945 act.

December 2020: Whitmer vetoed repeal of Emergency Powers Act

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which she had been using to issue COVID-19 related orders.

May 2021: Apology for Unmasked Photo

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. She was seen violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2021: COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

On June 22, 2021, Gretchen Whitmer lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan, citing a reduction in COVID-19 cases and the availability of vaccines.

July 2021: Legislature approved citizen initiative to repeal 1945 act

In July 2021, the legislature voted to approve the citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act. Under state law, Whitmer could not veto this step, and the repeal took effect.

April 2022: Acquittal of men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

In April 2022, two men (Harris and Caserta) were acquitted on all charges related to the plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer, on grounds of entrapment by federal authorities.

August 2022: Convictions in Whitmer kidnapping plot

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

October 2022: Further convictions in Whitmer kidnapping plot

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 Gretchen Whitmer. Additionally, Garbin and Franks pleaded guilty.

2022: Uncertainty regarding Michigan's abortion statute

In 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it was unclear whether Michigan's 1931 statute criminalizing abortion procedures and drugs was operative.

October 2024: Viral Video and Apology

In October 2024, Whitmer appeared in a viral video promoting the CHIPS and Science Act, where she fed a Dorito chip to a podcaster, Liz Plank. This act received criticism from some Catholic groups, who interpreted it as resembling the Eucharist. Consequently, Whitmer apologized, clarifying that the intention was to promote semiconductor manufacturing legislation and not to mock religious practices.