Oracle CEO claims viral Whitmer video 'manipulated.' Videographer denies it
A dispute has erupted over a viral video of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a Saline Township data center groundbreaking, with Oracle's CEO claiming the audio was manipulated. The videographer denies this, stating the governor made a comment about doing things "anyways" despite opposition. This incident highlights public frustration regarding data center developments in Michigan.
A controversy has emerged surrounding a video clip of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the June 1 groundbreaking of a 1.65 million-square-foot data center in Saline Township, a project involving Oracle and OpenAI. The viral video, widely shared on platform X, allegedly shows Governor Whitmer stating, "We’re used to people saying f*** no and doing it anyway," leading some to interpret it as disregard for public opposition to data centers.
Stacey LaRouche, a spokeswoman for Governor Whitmer, refuted the claims, asserting that the governor did not make the alleged statement and would not support such a sentiment. LaRouche emphasized the state's commitment to protecting communities and ensuring data center companies are accountable for costs, water usage, and job creation. Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk also stated that the video "appears to have been manipulated" and does not accurately reflect his positive conversation with Whitmer.
However, Priscilla Creswell, a Washtenaw County-based videographer who recorded the clip, vehemently denied any manipulation of the audio or video. Creswell clarified that she believed Governor Whitmer said, "We’re used to people saying no and doing it anyways," not using a vulgarity, and provided an extended version of the video to The Detroit News to support her claim. She expressed hope that others who recorded the event would release their footage for further clarity.
Creswell noted that some residents are frustrated, feeling that the alleged comment reflects a broader lack of public input in development decisions. The data center project in Saline Township had previously received a crucial approval in December when the Michigan Public Service Commission, a panel appointed by Whitmer, approved contracts between DTE Energy Co. and an Oracle subsidiary.