Michigan Gov. Whitmer spends over $200,000 on Asia trip, sparking funding scrutiny
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and a delegation spent more than $200,000 on an eight‑day business trip to South Korea and Taiwan in September.
The trip, organized with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, a nonprofit, cost $91,000 for airfare, nearly $70,000 for hotel accommodations, $13,000 for conference rooms and events, $11,000 for ground transportation, and $6,000 for meals, plus miscellaneous items such as photographer fees, interpretation services and a $3,200 cultural activity.
Whitmer framed the mission as essential for Michigan’s business relationships, saying the state and Taiwan “both know how to make things, solve tough problems, and build the technologies that will define our future.” She added that the delegation was “going anywhere and working with anyone to bring more jobs, investments, and opportunity back home to Michigan.”
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC, traveled with the governor and emphasized that the delegation deepened ties with companies already investing in Michigan while positioning the state for future investment. He noted that the mission helped “build the trust that turns conversations into opportunities for Michigan’s people, communities, and businesses.”
In Taiwan, the group met President Lai Ching‑te, government officials and representatives from semiconductor, drone and robotics firms. President Lai highlighted Michigan’s role as a global hub for automotive and smart‑mobility technologies and said the visit could enhance supply‑chain resilience and industrial security.
The delegation included more than a dozen participants: eight MEDC officials, two from the governor’s office, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Michigan National Guard adjutant general Paul Rogers, ITC Michigan president Charles Marshall II, and Henry Ford Health System senior vice president Marc Corriveau.
Republican lawmakers have previously criticized Whitmer’s overseas travel, citing the high cost of trips to Europe earlier in the year—approximately $180,000 for a week‑long visit and $61,000 for a January trip to Switzerland. The latest expense adds to calls for greater transparency and oversight of public funds used for international missions.
State officials have defended the Asia trip, stating it “builds on strong partnerships to bring jobs and investment to Michigan.” The controversy is expected to prompt further review of travel spending policies and may lead to legislative proposals aimed at tightening oversight of state‑funded delegations.
