Ohio Gov.-Elect Mike DeWine meets with President Donald Trump

Joining 12 other newly elected governors at the White House Thursday, Gov.-elect Mike DeWine said President Donald Trump “listened very carefully and was very engaging” as they talked about constructing new roads and bridges, combating drugs, and keeping Lake Erie clean.

“There wasn’t much contention in there,” DeWine told Cox TV as he emerged from the White House on his way to meet with administration officials in the Executive Office Building. “The issues we talked about in there, there was a real consensus.”

Trump called the newly elected governors, who included both Republicans and Democrats, “some really terrific people. They’re going to do a wonderful job.”

“We have some real stars in the room,” Trump said. The meeting then was closed to reporters.

DeWine said he and Michigan Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer warned the president of the dangers of “invasive species and (Asian) Carp threatening the Great Lakes,” referring to the species trying to enter the Great Lakes through the Illinois River.

In addition to Trump, the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar.

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