NYT publishes photo of Whitmer's 'awkward' Oval Office appearance with Trump

The New York Times ran an article describing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's appearance in the Oval Office this week as "awkward" after she tried hiding her face from the cameras.

“Whitmer Shows How Democrats Are Playing With Fire in Cozying Up to Trump," read the headline. 

“The Michigan governor’s awkward Oval Office appearance reflected how several Democratic state leaders are cultivating cordial but politically risky relationships with the president," read the subheadline.

Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed several executive orders including directing the “repeal of unlawful regulations” and reducing “anti-competitive regulatory barriers.” Earlier today, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the full effect of his new tariffs for dozens of countries with the exception of China. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Whitmer met with Trump about relief funding due to damage from ice storms in Michigan and she was eventually ushered into the Oval Office where Trump was signing executive orders in front of the cameras.

NYT photographer Eric Lee took a photo of Whitmer trying to hide her face with a folder.