Trump Says Michigan Base Will Stay Open, Get New Fighter Jets

President Trump on Tuesday announced Selfridge National Guard base in Michigan will receive 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, newer generation jets meant to replace the installation’s aging A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, effectively guaranteeing the base’s future.

The Boeing-made aircraft, previously purchased by the Air Force, will go to Selfidge after years of lobbying from Michigan lawmakers to shore up the future of the 106-year-old Harrison Township base, an installation that has an estimated $850 million impact on the state’s economy.

“I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it'll play in our initial defense,” Trump said in a speech at the base, during a visit to Michigan to mark the 100th day of his second term in office. 

“As commander and chief, I’m proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The best in the world; brand new,”  he said to applause.

Trump said new aircraft “will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American airpower,” after the Air Force is expected to begin phasing out the A-10, also known as the Warthog, starting next year.

The announcement follows a surprise appearance at the White House by Democrat Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month, a visit Trump alluded to in his speech. Whitmer was present at Selfridge during the announcement. 

“She came to see me. That's the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge. And she was very effective along with some of the other politicians and some of the military people,” Trump said.

“They love this place. They love what it stands for, all the victories they've had here over the years. So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing it also to our attention very strongly.”

The announcement comes as the state, which voted for Trump last year, has been rocked by his dramatic flip-flopping tariff policies, given its major automobile industry and its borders with Canada.

Home to the 127th wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, Selfridge opened in 1917 and supports an estimated 5,000 jobs. 

Last year, the base announced it would host a new squadron of Air Force KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers, meant to replace the outgoing KC-135, which could be phased out as early as 2027. 

Other aircraft at Selfridge include the Michigan Army National Guard’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters, the U.S. Coast Guard’s HH-65 Dolphin helicopter, and various other aircraft used by Customs & Border Protection.