Gretchen Whitmer says she spoke to Trump after he said he was considering pardoning men who plotted to kidnap her

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer revealed on Tuesday that she had a direct conversation with President Donald Trump regarding his consideration of pardoning the individuals who planned her kidnapping. “I have spoken with the president directly on this matter and expressed my views,” Whitmer informed reporters in Detroit. She added, “I won’t divulge more about our discussion, but hopefully he will take my thoughts into account when making a decision.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that Trump, a Republican, and Whitmer, a Democrat, had a conversation. However, Leavitt did not provide further details but reiterated Trump’s previous statement that he would consider the pardons.

Trump had mentioned during a media event in the Oval Office that he would examine the possibility of pardoning the convicted individuals, expressing concerns about the trial proceedings. Whitmer, who has met with Trump multiple times this year, expressed disappointment at his consideration of pardons. She stated that she would convey her thoughts to the White House and hoped they would consider them.

Several individuals were initially charged in the kidnapping plot, with Barry Croft Jr., identified as the main orchestrator, currently serving a nearly 20-year sentence. Another key figure, Adam Fox, received a 16-year prison term.

Whitmer, a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, has faced criticism from her party members for her friendly interactions with Trump. Meanwhile, Trump has been actively utilizing his pardoning authority, recently granting pardons to various individuals, including former reality TV personalities and a former congressman.