Whitmer’s Pay-to-Play Scheme Misuses Great Seal

A new report revealed that Governor Gretchen Whitmer used Michigan’s Great Seal on invitations for MEDF functions. The Seal is legally required only to be used for official state functions, but in 2022, Whitmer used it to invite companies to a reception honoring the MEDF – the same organization that has covered her international excursions.

Earlier this month, a shocking report in The Detroit News linked the Michigan Economic Development Foundation (MEDF) to much of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s overseas travel. 

Companies donate to the MEDF, and in return, receive face time with the governor, board seats on the MEDF, and hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate handouts. Despite claiming that the MEDF and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are completely separate entities, the MEDF has funded overseas travel for MEDC CEO Quentin Messer (and Gretchen Whitmer), and Messer invited MEDF donors to a fundraiser at Whitmer’s personal residence.

Notably, in another misuse of state resources, Whitmer’s office consistently links her personal/campaign Facebook account in all her official press releases.

“This misuse of state resources should come as no surprise to people who’ve been paying attention,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “Again and again, Gretchen Whitmer has used her position and influence for personal gain as she expects residents and the media to turn a blind eye.”