(WWJ) President Donald Trump is planning a visit to Michigan on Thursday
White House officials say Trump will tour Ford's Rawsonville Assembly Plant in Ypsilanti, which has been repurposed to manufacture ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE).
After the tour, the president is expected to speak about the collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and General Electric, who have stepped up to help the U.S. respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
Ford and GE Healthcare on April 20 began production of Model A-E ventilators at the plant with a goal of producing 12,000 by the end of May; and 50,000 by July 4.
Ford released the following statement on President Trump's visit:
"The White House asked to visit Ford's Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti, Mich., as part of the President's tour to thank businesses producing PPE and important medical equipment. We're proud to assemble more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker and welcome Thursday's visit as part of Ford's longstanding history of hosting sitting presidents and senior government leaders."
But will Gov. Gretchen Whitmer welcome him? WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick says that remains in questio — and it's a loaded one.
"So, let's assume the governor shows up with her mask on, and the president without his mask, which would be counter to what she's said Michigan should be doing," Skubick reported. "And then there's the politics of all of this — holy cow! We have not idea what the governor will do, but if she's there, it will be a story. If she's not, it's a bigger story." Trump's trip to Michigan — his first during the pandemic — comes as the state remains under a stay-home order, set to expire on May 28.
