President Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Twitter after Whitmer was critical of the president's and the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive," Trump, a Republican, tweeted. "We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan!"

Whitmer, a Democrat who on Monday criticized Trump and the federal government on national television for being unprepared for the crisis, said on MSNBC on Tuesday she was surprised when Trump said, in a conference call with the nation's governors Monday, that they should try to get respirators and other needed items on their own.

"To hear the leader of the federal government tell us to work around the federal government because it's too slow — it's kind of mind-boggling," Whitmer said.

Whitmer responded to Trump on Twitter Tuesday.

"Now that I’ve got your attention, Mr. President — attack tweets won’t solve this crisis," the governor said. "But swift and clear guidance, tests, personal protective equipment, and resources would."

Though his approach has changed in recent days, Trump initially downplayed the significance of the virus and dismissed Democratic concerns about his handling of coronavirus as "their new hoax."

Whitmer appeared on national TV one day after she ordered all restaurants, bars, gyms and many other public spaces to close or partially close to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants are limited to carry out or delivery services. Schools across the state were closed last week, and Whitmer acted Monday to expand eligibility and benefits related to unemployment insurance.

Trump was asked about his attack on Whitmer later Tuesday at a White House news conference, where he called for bipartisanship.

Trump said Whitmer's comment about him asking the governors to go around the federal government appeared to be based on a New York Times article that he said was inaccurate.

"I watched her on TV — she said something that was false," Trump said of Whitmer.

"When they attack me ... or these incredible people behind me, I'm not going to let them get away with it."

Whitmer later said that she has consistently been stating the facts, as have many other governors.

"The federal government did not take this threat seriously enough, early enough," Whitmer said in a conference call Tuesday with Michigan reporters. That's why Michigan and other states now have to be "incredibly aggressive" to slow the spread, she said.

Whitmer said other governors have made similar remarks to the ones she did, but none received "the same rebuke." She said the public can draw its own conclusions as to why that is. "I'm not spoiling for a fight with the White House," she said.

Laura Cox, chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, backed Trump on the controversy.

“The governor does the people of Michigan a great disservice going on national television and playing partisan politics during a time of crisis.” Cox said in a news release.

“President Trump has overseen an aggressive and thorough federal response to this pandemic, and I applaud his actions throughout this rapidly unfolding situation.”

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, backed Whitmer.

"Thank you ... for your calm, focused, data-driven and decisive leadership during this challenging moment," Benson said to Whitmer on Twitter. "We are all better for it."

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.