'Words Matter': Whitmer Responds To Trump Calling Her 'Dictator'

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday responded to comments made by President Donald Trump, who said she wanted to be a "dictator" in Michigan.

"One week after a plot to kidnap and murder me was revealed, the President renewed his attacks," Whitmer said in a tweet Friday. "Words matter. I am asking people of goodwill on both sides of the aisle — please, lower the heat of this dangerous rhetoric."

Trump said Whitmer wanted to be a dictator in an interview on FOX Business Thursday morning while discussing Democratic governors around the nation.

"Michigan, she has to open up," Trump said, referring to Whitmer. "She wants to be a dictator in Michigan and the people can't stand her. They want to get back and they want to get back to work."

Related: Trump Calls Whitmer A 'Dictator' In Thursday Morning Interview

Whitmer's response is the latest in a social media back-and-forth between she and the president, who have both taken shots at the other on Twitter.

Last week, Whitmer said Trump was complicit in violent plots to kidnap her because he failed to condemn groups such as the Wolverine Watchmen.

"When our leaders speak, their words matter. They carry weight," she said at the time. "When our leaders meet with, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists. They legitimize their actions, and they are complicit."

Trump responded on social media, saying Whitmer had done a terrible job as governor.