HARRISON TWP. (WWJ) -- Visiting Michigan Air National Guard Base on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to replace the retiring A-10 aircraft at Selfridge with 21 brand new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets "the best in the world."
In a news release, the governor's office said this is a "game-changing" new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County's Harrison Township, stating that the new fighter mission will grow Michigan’s economy, bring new aircraft, keep expert talent including pilots and maintenance workers in state, support military and civilian jobs at the base, and cement Michigan’s leadership in national security and the defense industry for decades to come.
“This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,” said Whitmer, in a statement.
“Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge and supporting the brave service members who step up for our communities every day. 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. Because of our tireless work with partners on the ground in Macomb County and on both sides of the aisle, the future of Selfridge is bright, lasting, and secure. I’ll keep working with anyone to get things done on the kitchen-table issues and make a real difference for Michigan families.”
President Trump announced that he has made a Strategic Basing Decision to station approximately 20 F-15EXs at Selfridge in addition to the already planned bed down of KC-46As the base is set to receive. According to the Department of Defense, the F-15EXs will begin arriving in FY28, and this basing decision will not overturn other F-15EX basing actions in other states.
The governor's office said this announcement comes after "years of advocacy," with Whitmer working to bring a new fighter mission to Selfridge at all levels of government and on both sides of the aisle since 2019.
Speaking at Selfridge, President Trump praised Whitmer, saying she's "done a very good job."
"That's the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge," Trump said. "She was very effective, along with some of the other politicians and some of the military people. They love this place; they love what it stands for."
If this mission did not come to fruition, the governor's office said Selfridge was poised to lose the A-10 fighter mission without a replacement, costing the base critical Michigan jobs and $30 million in wages.
“Supporting the thousands of servicemembers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of our top priorities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s historic announcement will create and retain good-paying jobs, grow Michigan’s $30 billion defense industry, and ensure Selfridge thrives for decades to come. Let’s keep Standing Tall for Selfridge.”
Trump's visit to the base came ahead of a rally at Macomb Community College Tuesday evening, in which Trump was set to tout the accomplishments of his administration the first 100 days of his second term as president.
Trump was expected to talk about making good on his campaign promises, including ramping up deportations, lowering inflation and reducing federal spending.
Macomb County is a considered key to Trump's 2024 win in Michigan, as well as important to his victory in 2016.