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Joliet Today
By the People, for the People
Whitmer Secures Ice Storm Relief Pledge from Trump
Michigan governor meets with president for third time since he returned to the White House.
Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:18pm
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with President Donald Trump in the White House on Tuesday, where she said the president pledged to provide more federal aid for northern Michigan, which was hit hard by ice storms in March 2025. Whitmer also discussed plans to build a barrier to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes and secure funding for new fighter jets at a military base in Macomb County.
Why it matters
The meeting between the Democratic governor and Republican president highlights their ongoing efforts to work together on key issues facing Michigan, despite their political differences. The additional federal aid for ice storm recovery and the invasive carp barrier project are critical for the state, while the fighter jet funding is important for the local economy.
The details
Whitmer said Trump agreed to reverse a previous FEMA decision denying her appeal for federal aid from the 2025 ice storms. The governor had initially requested aid in July 2025, but while Trump approved $50 million for governments and nonprofits, he denied assistance for homeowners and utilities. Whitmer appealed the partial denial in August, which was also later denied in October. The two also discussed plans to resume construction on a series of barriers designed to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes along the Des Plaines River in Illinois.
- In March 2025, northern Michigan was hit hard by ice storms.
- Whitmer initially requested federal aid in late July 2025.
- Trump approved $50 million in assistance in 2025, but denied help for homeowners and utilities.
- Whitmer appealed the partial denial in August 2025, which was also later denied in October 2025.
- The meeting between Whitmer and Trump took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
The Democratic governor of Michigan who met with President Trump to discuss federal aid and other key issues facing the state.
Donald Trump
The Republican president who agreed to provide more federal aid for Michigan and work with Whitmer on the invasive carp barrier project.
Stacey Larouche
The press secretary for Governor Whitmer.
What they’re saying
“I'm working with Governor Gretchen Whitmer on trying to save The Great Lakes from the rather violent and destructive Asian Carp.”
— Donald Trump
“We need funding released so the Army Corps can begin construction as soon as possible.”
— Stacey Larouche, Governor Whitmer's press secretary
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This meeting between the Democratic governor and Republican president demonstrates their ability to work together on critical issues facing Michigan, despite their political differences. The additional federal aid and progress on the invasive carp barrier project are important steps forward for the state.
