GOP Leader Requests Federal Probe Into Whitmer’s Ties to Grant Fraud Case
Republican Senate leader calls for federal probe into governor’s ties to businesswoman charged with misusing $20 million in state funds.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt sent a letter Monday to the U.S. Department of Justice requesting a federal investigation into Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s connections to a metro Detroit businesswoman facing felony charges for misusing $20 million in state grant funding.
In his letter to acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Nesbitt noted that Fay Beydoun, a Whitmer appointee and campaign donor, faces 16 felony charges for allegedly using a legislative grant for personal expenses. Beydoun served as a member of the executive committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the entity which administered the grant after it was approved by the Legislature.
“Michigan deserves a governor who works for everyone in this state, not favored cronies who fund her lifestyle and campaigns,” said Nesbitt, who represents Porter Township. “If the governor is found complicit in this scheme to rob taxpayers, she must be held accountable under the law. We are going to follow the money, uncover the truth and deliver justice for the taxpayers of this state.”
Questions About Investigation’s Impartiality
While Beydoun remains under investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Nesbitt questioned Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ability to conduct an impartial investigation into the governor. He said Nessel “maintains a well-documented personal friendship and political alliance” with Whitmer.
The Republican senator’s request comes as he campaigns for governor against the incumbent Democrat. His letter highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the ongoing state investigation.
Ongoing State Investigation
When Nessel announced the charges against Beydoun, she noted that Quentin Messer, the President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, remained as a potential target of the investigation. When asked whether she would be looking into whether Whitmer had any involvement with the grant, Nessel said her office would continue to follow the evidence.
The charges against Beydoun center on allegations that she misused the substantial legislative grant for personal expenses rather than its intended purpose. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where Beydoun served on the executive committee, was responsible for administering the grant funds after legislative approval.
Nesbitt’s call for federal involvement represents an escalation in the political ramifications of the case, as he seeks to tie the sitting governor to the alleged fraud scheme through her appointment of Beydoun and their donor relationship.
