Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing a wave of social media backlash after appearing to shield her face during a recent visit to the Oval Office, prompting a flurry of speculation and mockery online.
The moment, captured during a photo op with President Trump and other state leaders, shows Whitmer turning away from the camera and partially covering her face with her hand. The image quickly went viral, with critics accusing the governor of trying to avoid being seen in a celebratory moment with the president.
Commentators and users on various platforms questioned whether the gesture was a political statement or simply an awkward moment. Some suggested it reflected discomfort over being publicly associated with Trump, while others dismissed the reaction as exaggerated.
Neither Whitmer nor her office has commented on the incident, which continues to gain traction as political opponents use the image to question her leadership and sincerity in bipartisan settings.
The White House has not addressed the reaction, but sources close to the event say the meeting focused on infrastructure funding and economic development, with leaders from both parties present.