Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, apologized amidst criticism for a social media video where she wore a Harris-Walz campaign hat and fed Doritos to a kneeling podcast host to promote the CHIPS Act.
In the video, Whitmer was seen taking a Doritos chip from a bag and placing it in the mouth of liberal podcaster Liz Plank, who was kneeling on the floor, before the camera turned to the governor wearing a camouflage Harris-Walz hat.
The use of Doritos chips in the video was a strategic way to draw attention to the CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, allocating nearly $53 billion towards efforts to enhance semiconductor production in the U.S., generate employment, support American innovation, and safeguard national security.
MICHIGAN GOV FEEDS KNEELING FEMALE PODCAST HOST DORITOS WHILE WEARING A HARRIS-WALZ HAT
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer apologized for a social media video where she fed Doritos to a kneeling podcast host to highlight the CHIPS Act. (YouTube screenshot)
“Chips aren’t just delicious, the CHIPS Act is a game-changer for U.S. tech and manufacturing, boosting domestic production of semiconductors to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers! Donald Trump would put that at risk,” Plank wrote in the caption of the video she posted on Instagram.
The video was created as part of a trending TikTok challenge where one person feeds another while a specific song plays in the background before an awkward stare into the camera.
MICHIGAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONDEMN WHITMER’S DORITOS VIDEO STUNT AS OFFENSIVE
The use of Doritos chips appeared to be a clever way to put a spotlight on the CHIPS and Science Act. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
Some critics misinterpreted the video as Whitmer mimicking Holy Communion to mock Christians who partake in the Eucharist. Following the backlash, Whitmer apologized, clarifying that the video was not intended to ridicule people of faith.
“In over 25 years of public service, I would never disrespect someone’s faith,” the governor stated in a message to Fox 2. “I’ve used my platform to advocate for individuals’ right to uphold and practice their personal religious beliefs.”
Whitmer apologized for the video, clarifying that it was not meant to mock people of faith. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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“My team has engaged with the Michigan Catholic Conference,” she added. “What was originally a video emphasizing the significance of the CHIPS Act for Michigan jobs has been misinterpreted, and I apologize for that.”
