Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor, acknowledges the influence of politics on electric vehicle adoption.

• At the CNBC CEO Summit in Washington, D.C., Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated that the debate surrounding the expansion of electric vehicles has taken on a political dimension.
• The Biden and Trump administrations have different approaches to promoting electric vehicle growth. While the Biden administration aims to support EV growth through the Inflation Reduction Act, Trump has pledged to reverse certain measures.
• The slow adoption and purchasing of electric vehicles (EVs) have sparked a political battle over EV investments.

The electric vehicle industry is a crucial matter for the U.S. auto industry and its center in Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, it is gaining political significance, as stated by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which is backed by the Biden administration, promotes EV adoption, but this is at odds with Donald Trump's pledge to eliminate fuel economy mandates if he is reelected, a policy shift that could prolong the use of gasoline-powered vehicles.

"Whitmer stated at the CNBC CEO Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday that politics has infiltrated the space, and while research and development are beneficial, the current situation is complex."

The auto industry understands the right strategy, as Whitmer, who has supported several EV-focused policies, including making all state government vehicles fully electric by 2040 and rebates that would encourage EV sales, has stated.

Our OEMs are becoming more agile and adapting to the fast-paced world. Although we continue to offer internal combustion engine cars, we recognize that the development of EV infrastructure may cause some challenges, but we are moving in the right direction.

Whitmer stated that everything is politicized in the current moment, which is unfortunate as it is a part of the country's current state.

Whitmer emphasized the importance of manufacturing growth in the country, stating that it is crucial for national security, economic development, and job creation. She highlighted the need for a sustained and real focus on this sector, as seen during the pandemic when the manufacturing industry was severely impacted. Whitmer also emphasized the need to build the cars of the future and support an industry that is moving fast, which will lead to good-paying jobs and overall economic growth.

Despite being a Democrat who grew up in a household with a Republican father and a Democratic mother, Whitmer faced a minority position as governor in 2018, and even as Michigan has shifted left in recent years, the state still has several Republican stronghold districts.

She emphasized the importance of teaching people to ask questions to gather more information, regardless of whether they are in conversation with someone who holds different political views or has a different background.

During a CNBC "Squawk on the Street" interview, co-anchor Carl Quintanilla questioned Governor Gretchen Whitmer about whether her approach to the pandemic makes it difficult to remain consistent with her principles.

Whitmer stated that while listening may not alter one's values, it is crucial to continuously learn and comprehend current events. Her initial gubernatorial campaign, which focused on improving the state's roads, was informed by discussions with individuals from various political backgrounds about their desired improvements to their lives.

She expressed support for a controversial energy policy that has recently gained attention nationally, stating that nuclear energy is an important component of meeting energy and climate goals. She questioned whether the public is ready to discuss nuclear energy again, noting that while there may be some hesitancy, the community has shown strong support for this issue. She highlighted the economic and security benefits of energy independence and the positive feedback received from the community. While there may be some discomfort among a younger generation, most responses have been positive.

Whitmer acknowledged that adhering to her principles has exposed her to criticism, but that's unavoidable at the moment.

"Whitmer stated that she is always aware of the critical nature of actions in this environment. Once she accepted this, she found it liberating because it allowed her to stop trying to anticipate how to make everyone happy, as it is an impossible task."

"If you were trying to make everyone happy, this might paralyze you; forget it. You won't be able to do it. Do what's right for your employees, your community, and yourself."