Republican Michigan Senate leader Aric Nesbitt asked the Justice Department on Monday to investigate Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s possible role in a $20 million state fraud scheme after one of her allies was charged in the case, as reported by Just The News.

Nesbitt, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, requested an independent federal review after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced 16 felony charges earlier this month against Fay Beydoun, 62, of Farmington Hills.

Beydoun is accused of misusing a $20 million grant that was intended to launch a business accelerator. According to CBS News, Nesbitt described Beydoun as a political donor and close ally of Whitmer who also allegedly has a close friendship with Nessel.

🚨BREAKING: The leader of the Michigan Senate is asking the Justice Department to investigate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after one of her allies was charged in a $20 million nonprofit scandal, according to Just The News.

Fay Beydoun, a Whitmer ally, is accused of misusing a $20… pic.twitter.com/yR270jx6AT— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) May 20, 2026

Nesbitt said the situation raises questions about whether state officials can review the matter without a conflict of interest. In his request, he asked acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to call for an independent investigation into Whitmer’s possible role in the matter.

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"Michigan deserves a governor who works for everyone in this state, not favored cronies who fund her lifestyle and campaigns," Nesbitt said in a statement.

"Let me be clear: 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," he added.

Nesbitt argued that Nessel’s alleged friendship with Whitmer creates a potential conflict that could prevent the Michigan attorney general from impartially investigating the governor.

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"Under normal circumstances, state-level authorities should handle such matters," Nesbitt told Blanche.

"However, Michigan faces a unique crisis of oversight. This relationship creates an inherent conflict of interest that calls into question whether the Michigan attorney general can impartially investigate the governor."

The request places Whitmer’s administration under renewed scrutiny as Republicans press for answers over how a $20 million grant meant for economic development became the center of a felony case.

Nessel’s office announced the charges against Beydoun earlier this month. Beydoun is accused of misusing funds connected to the state grant, which was supposed to support the creation of a business accelerator.

Nesbitt’s call for Justice Department involvement comes as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor in Michigan. Whitmer is term-limited and cannot seek another term.

The case has become a political issue in the state because of Beydoun’s alleged ties to Whitmer and Nessel. Nesbitt said federal involvement is needed because the relationships involved raise concerns about state-level oversight.

🚨 BREAKING: Michigan AG Dana Nessel charges Whitmer appointee & donor Fay Beydoun with 16 felonies for allegedly embezzling a $20 million taxpayer grant meant for the Global Detroit business accelerator.Investigators say the money was diverted to luxury items, travel, and… pic.twitter.com/N9AhGWJwzU

— GRANDPA’s FREE ADVICE (@GOP_is_Gutless) May 19, 2026

Whitmer has not commented so far on the possible investigation.

The Justice Department has not publicly announced whether it will open an investigation in response to Nesbitt’s request.

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