LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After a humiliating Nov. 5 defeat where Gov. Gretchen Whitmer failed to deliver Michigan’s 15 electoral votes for Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan’s governor is now looking to bring economic opportunities back home.

Whitmer visits Spain this week.

Whitmer is traveling to Spain this week for what she calls “an investment mission” to make Michigan’s presence known globally and bring business opportunities to the Great Lakes State.

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“Engaging directly with international business and policy leaders allows us to showcase Michigan’s strengths and competitive advantages, helping to foster new investments that create good-paying jobs for Michiganders,” Whitmer said in a press release. “Building these connections with the global business community is essential to sustaining growth and ensuring economic prosperity for all.”

Whitmer and her delegation will meet with Gestamp, an automotive engineering company. It plans to expand in Mason, Lapeer, and Chelsea. The company’s footprint in Michigan includes areas represented by state Senators Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), and state Representatives Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson), Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Phil Green (R-Millington), and Sharon MacDonnell (D-Troy).

MEDC tags along.

In addition, Whitmer brought along Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer. MEDC has worked with Whitmer to siphon taxpayer dollars into megasites throughout the state despite community pushback. Plans for a megasite project in Clinton County were recently scrapped, and a similar project in Genesee County faces an uphill battle after a change in township leadership on Nov. 5. Other megasites in Marshall and Big Rapids, which have ties to China, continue to battle with the communities who do not want them there.

The writing on the wall.

Whitmer has made previous overseas trips like this in the past, but President-elect Donald Trump’s victory is forcing her hand. Her next move after being term limited in 2026 is speculated to be national politics, and that shift will be tough if she sticks with the “America last” policies of the Biden administration.

On Monday, Trump pledged significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump said he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs and migrants crossing the border.

While those on the left have complained that tariffs target the consumer, a basic understanding of economics indicates that only applies if someone buys products made in foreign countries, not in America.