HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Selfridge airfield will be receiving new F-15EXs in addition to new KC-46As.
While at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, joined by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, President Donald Trump spoke to members of the Michigan National Guard and announced the addition of 21 new F-15EXs fighter jets in part of the “game-changing” new F15-EX fighter mission, planned to begin arriving in FY28.
“For generations, the men and women of Selfridge have always been here, and they’ve always been for us,” Trump said. “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, they’ve always been for us. They’ve been for America. And under the Trump administration, we’re going to be there for you.”
He also announced intentions for a one trillion dollar national defense budget and a new Selfridge defense shield named “Golden Dome” to protect Michigan from “missile attack.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Trump, and though she didn’t initially intend on speaking, expressed her gratitude for the “recapitalization at Selfridge,” citing that it’s crucial for the economy, for our homeland security, the Michigan National Guard and for our future.
“All the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we’re here,” Whitmer said. “Thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today and I appreciate all the work. Thank you.”
Whitmer was with Trump today to “show support for her troops and her state as the Commander in Chief” and the “tens of thousands of Michiganders who stand to benefit from support for Selfridge,” according to a source familiar with the situation.
She will not be attending Trump’s rally at Macomb Community College taking place later in the day.
“Well, I guess they think we’re going to save this place,” Trump said. “And you know what? They’re right.100% right. We’re going to save it and make it better, actually.”
Trump went on to thank Whitmer for the work she’s done thus far to save Selfridge.
“So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing (Selfridge) to our attention,” Trump said. “And, you know, I’m not supposed to do that. She’s a Democrat. They say, don’t do that. Don’t have her here. I said, no, she’s going to be here. She’s done a very good job, frankly. And she’s she was very much involved with, with the Republicans. They work together on saving it. And it was not easy. So I want to thank you very much, Gretchen. Good job.”
Hegseth also got up to speak to commend Trump on being a supportive Commander in Chief who “has the backs” of the U.S. armed forces and that because of that there’s been a surge in recruiting.
“Mr. President, thank you for restoring the warrior ethos inside our formations, for rebuilding our military, reestablishing deterrence around the world, and making Americans proud to wear the uniform,” Hegseth said. “All I ever wanted when I was in combat was to know that my commander had my back, no matter what, and Donald J. Trump, that commander, has your back. And that means something to the men and women of America.”
Statement from Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel:
President Trump’s announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive F-15EX fighter jets is a significant milestone for Macomb County and the entire state of Michigan.
For years, we have led the conversation about Selfridge being the ideal location for these advanced fighters. As Michigan’s premier defense installation we knew that Selfridge was a strategic component of our nation’s defense and that we possessed the operational capacity to host these aircraft. Today’s announcement reinforces the Selfridge advantage and ensures the next 100 years of mission readiness.
Earlier this month, Trump was joined in the oval office by Whitmer and Speaker of the House Matt Hall where he gave them both high praise for their work in Michigan.
“Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, the great state of Michigan, she’s really done an excellent job,” Trump said. “A very good person. And we’re working on the Selfridge, as you know, the air base, we’re trying to get the air base open, keep it open…”
The remarks are scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed within this article.
