Michigan Senate Leader Calls for DOJ Investigation into Gov. Whitmer Over $20 Million Grant Scandal

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt has formally asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s potential involvement in a $20 million taxpayer-funded grant scandal, citing a conflict of interest that prevents state Attorney General Dana Nessel from conducting an impartial probe.

In a letter sent Monday to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Nesbitt highlighted the close personal and political relationship between Whitmer and Nessel as creating an “inherent conflict of interest.” He argued that Michigan faces a “unique crisis of oversight” and that a federal investigation is necessary.

The scandal centers on Fay Beydoun, a Whitmer appointee to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) board, major campaign donor, and close ally. Beydoun faces 16 felony charges — including larceny by conversion, uttering and publishing, and conducting a criminal enterprise — for allegedly misusing the $20 million state grant awarded to her nonprofit, Global Link International. Prosecutors say the funds, intended for economic development and business acceleration, were instead used for personal expenses such as luxury items, travel, and salaries.

Nessel’s office brought the charges against Beydoun earlier this month. However, Nesbitt contends that Whitmer’s direct ties to Beydoun — including communications between the governor’s office and the grantee, as well as Whitmer signing a letter to Qatari officials on Beydoun’s behalf — warrant federal scrutiny for possible “pay-to-play” arrangements or other misconduct.

Nesbitt noted that Beydoun hosted fundraisers for Whitmer and was appointed by her administration, raising questions about how the grant was approved and overseen. He also pointed to potential national security implications due to foreign connections.

“Under normal circumstances, state-level authorities should handle such matters,” Nesbitt wrote. “However, Michigan faces a unique crisis of oversight.”

The request comes as Nesbitt, a candidate for governor in 2026, continues to press for accountability in state spending. Whitmer’s office has not directly addressed the call for a federal probe, though the governor previously said she was “very troubled” by the allegations against Beydoun and supports holding those who misuse funds accountable.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office has not commented on Nesbitt’s letter. The DOJ has not yet responded publicly to the request. The case remains a significant political flashpoint in Michigan ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.