Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been secured under the Trump administration, a project she previously pursued unsuccessfully during the Biden administration.
Whitmer made the remarks during an appearance on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, stating that the initiative—Mission Next—will replace the aging A-10 Warthog aircraft with 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The modernization effort also includes infrastructure upgrades and job creation at the base.
Whitmer’s comments follow a White House visit and reflect her stated need to adapt to Michigan’s 2024 election outcome, where the state voted for Trump. Newsom, who hosted the podcast, emphasized that maintaining a working relationship with the president is part of the role for state leaders.
The F-15EX acquisition was publicly highlighted by Trump in April 2025 during a speech at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where he described the jets as "brand new" and noted their advanced capabilities. The National Guard’s website confirms the project includes construction and training enhancements.
A spokesperson for former President Joe Biden’s administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The F-15EX program, developed by Boeing, is designed to replace older fighter aircraft with next-generation technology. The Michigan base, home to the 127th Wing, will integrate the new jets as part of a broader modernization effort. Officials have stated the project will create hundreds of jobs and support military readiness in the region.
Whitmer’s acknowledgment of Trump’s role in finalizing the deal contrasts with her prior efforts during the Biden administration, where she indicated the initiative did not reach completion. The timing of the announcement aligns with ongoing discussions about defense spending and military base modernization in Congress.