Democrat Gretchen Whitmer tries to distance herself from Oval Office visit

Michigan governor criticized for appearance, including for blocking her face with binders while her photo was taken

The Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer - considered to be a 2028 White House Democratic contender - was trying to distance herself from a recent Oval Office appearance alongside Donald Trump, which saw her get photographed while blocking her face with binders.

Whitmer visited the Republican president on Wednesday alongside a bipartisan delegation to discuss a northern Michigan ice storm, the state's defense assets and tariffs, among other issues. Following the meeting, Whitmer was brought into the Oval Office where she - as the New York Times described - stood glumly" during a press conference that saw Trump sign several executive orders that targeted his political opponents.