President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during an event in her state, signifying a rare moment of bipartisanship as he announced a new series of fighter jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The president gave Whitmer partial credit for his decision to assign a new fighter mission to the base, stating she “has done a very good job” in helping her state. He also claimed the decision was because of a bipartisan effort, but repeatedly praised her.

The decision comes after Whitmer visited the White House to advocate for the national guard base, which she has claimed is important for the Michigan economy. 

"That’s the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge, and she was very effective, along with some of the other politicians and some of the military people that love this place,” Trump said during remarks at the base. "She’s done a very good job, frankly, and she was very much involved with the Republicans, they worked together on saving it, and it was not easy."

Trump also unexpectedly invited Whitmer onto the stage, where she responded to the announcement, stating she had not intended to speak but was glad to be there for the news. 

“It’s crucial for the Michigan economy, it’s crucial for the men and women here, for our homeland security and our future,” she said. “So, thank you — I am so, so grateful that this announcement is made today, and I appreciate all the work. … Thank you, Mr. President.”

The governor's office also put out a statement after the announcement, where the governor highlighted the importance of the base, per NBC News. 

“This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,” she said. “I appreciate the President’s partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense.”

The announcement comes as Trump visited the battleground state to mark the end of the first 100-days of his second presidential administration. Trump marked the occasion with a speech in Macomb County.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.