A video of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer feeding a kneeling "feminist" podcast host a Dorito sparked controversy on Thursday. Whitmer was wearing a Harris/Walz campaign hat during the video, which was shared on Instagram by author Liz Plank.
The caption under the post read, "If he won’t, Gretchen Whitmer will," and linked the chips to the CHIPS Act. Plank also shared the video on TikTok with the caption, "new interview with big gretch just dropped!"
Critics were quick to react. Some said Whitmer was mocking Catholics. Former Trump advisor Tim Murtaugh took to X, claiming Whitmer was "pretending to give communion" with a Dorito.
Others defended the video, tying it to a TikTok trend. The trend, called "Feeding Someone," involves friends and partners feeding one another food. Social media influencer Amala Ekpunobi dismissed the backlash, saying, "This has NOTHING to do with Catholicism."
Whitmer’s aide told Fox News that her social media often blends politics and pop culture. They said the video promotes Biden’s CHIPS Act, which aims to boost U.S. tech jobs, a stark contrast to Trump’s policies.
Plank also dismissed the criticism, telling "weirdos" to "chill out." The video promoted Whitmer’s appearance on her podcast, where they discussed politics and leadership.
On the podcast, Whitmer emphasized the need for a strong commander-in-chief, calling out global bullies like Putin. Plank praised Whitmer’s leadership as "superhuman."
The Harris-Walz campaign did not respond to requests for comment.