Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/11/2025) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Tuesday started her first economic trip to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to discuss Michigan's aerospace and defense industries and have a roundtable with women leadership in the United States and the Middle East. 

Whitmer’s first stop is slated to be Abu Dhabi to attend the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, which is a defense and security trade show. Several Michigan-based companies have exhibits. 

Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Director Col. John Gutierrez and Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers are traveling with her, along with MEDC CEO Quentin Messer Jr. and others. 

“With multiple defense-focused capabilities and partnerships available through the Michigan National Guard, including the National All-Domain Warfighting Center and the Kelly Johnson Joint All-Domain Innovation Center, we look forward to showcasing Michigan’s unique geography, airspace, rangers and investments in defense innovation and technology,” Rogers said.  

The Michigan Freedom Fund flagged the Whitmer trip as bad timing, with the House and Senate in the midst of working on a deal on the paid sick leave and tipped wage issues. Without a legislative deal, policy that business and some workers don't like will go into effect Feb. 21. 

“Half the battle is showing up. At a time when countless workers and job providers need urgent action from Lansing, when Michigan’s economy is on the brink of disaster and so much is on the line for so many, Governor Whitmer is simply missing in action,” said Zach Rudat, Advocacy Director for Michigan Freedom Fund. “Republicans have been consistent from Day 1 on this fight. They’ve made protecting jobs and livelihoods their No. 1 priority, they’ve shown up, and they’ve delivered. Now it’s time for Governor Whitmer to do the same, and put her aspirations for higher office on hold for the sake of Michigan’s economic future."