A recent video featuring Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of mocking the Catholic faith. The video, which went viral after being shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, shows Whitmer feeding a Doritos chip to feminist podcast host Liz Plank, who is kneeling. In the clip, Whitmer is seen wearing a Harris/Walz campaign hat, and the scene has been criticized for appearing to imitate the Catholic sacrament of Holy Communion.
The backlash grew after Plank, who posted the video to her Instagram account “feministabulous,” captioned it with a reference to Whitmer stepping in where others would not. The video also included a note about the CHIPS Act, a key piece of U.S. legislation aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production, with Plank’s post highlighting its importance for the country’s tech and manufacturing industries.
Many on social media expressed outrage, with prominent figures like CBS actress Patricia Heaton questioning whether the video was mocking a sacred religious practice. Conservative commentator Greg Price also weighed in, describing the video as Whitmer feeding a Dorito “as if it’s the Eucharist.” Former Trump advisor Tim Murtaugh was among those who linked the video to potential political consequences, suggesting it might alienate Catholic voters.
Despite the criticism, a spokesperson for Whitmer defended the video, explaining that it was part of a broader TikTok trend where people feed one another as a lighthearted gesture. Celebrities such as Billie Eilish and Stephen Colbert have participated in similar social media trends. The spokesperson also emphasized that the video helped promote President Biden’s CHIPS Act, arguing that the attention it generated was evidence of its effectiveness in drawing attention to key policy issues.
Liz Plank, who also hosts the podcast Chip Chat, echoed this sentiment, stating that the video was simply a lighthearted take on the popular trend. She referenced another clip from the trend showing The Bear actor Jeremy Allen White feeding pizza to Stephen Colbert, urging critics to “chill out.”
The video clip was part of the promotion for an episode of Plank’s YouTube show featuring Whitmer. During the interview, they discussed topics ranging from former President Trump to the issue of undecided male voters. Whitmer also addressed the importance of strong leadership in global affairs, calling for a “tough commander-in-chief” to handle challenges from adversaries such as Vladimir Putin and China.
The viral nature of the video, and the ensuing backlash, has placed Whitmer’s social media strategy under scrutiny, with critics and supporters debating the line between playful content and political messaging.
Watch the full interview here.
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