Whitmer in Italy for Trade Meetings and Olympics as Michigan Struggles at Home

Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Milan, Italy, on an overseas trip her office described as focused on economic development and meetings with international business and government leaders. While there, she also attended events tied to the 2026 Winter Olympics, posting publicly from Olympic venues and meeting with athletes connected to Michigan, even as problems at home continue to weigh on residents.

The governor has said international travel is part of promoting Michigan and attracting future investment. During the Milan stop, her public schedule and social media activity showed time spent at Olympic events alongside meetings related to global promotion of the state. No specific funding announcement was tied to the Olympic appearances themselves.

Back in Michigan, residents continue dealing with deteriorating roads, rising taxes and fees, higher electric bills, and ongoing economic pressure on households and local governments. That reality has fueled criticism that the trip highlighted a sharp contrast between life abroad and ongoing challenges at home.

Photo credit: Image of Governor Whitmer at the Olympics shared on her official Instagram account.

Was this trip about bringing investment back to Michigan, or did the governor find time for the Olympics while Michigan keeps falling further behind?