Aric Nesbitt, Senator for Michigan | X
Aric Nesbitt, Senator for Michigan | X
Aric Nesbitt, a Michigan State Senator, has accused Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration of mismanaging taxpayer funds and called for accountability. Nesbitt made these remarks on the social media platform X.
"$20 million taxpayer dollars were stolen and the response from Whitmer's administration was: "My bad," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "This was no accident. The Governor knew EXACTLY what was happening. It's time for accountability."
The incident in question involves a $20 million grant earmarked for Global Link International, which has led to a criminal investigation. The state subsequently canceled the grant, and Attorney General Dana Nessel executed a search warrant at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) offices in June 2025. This action was followed by reviews concerning conflicts of interest and oversight. According to Bridge Michigan, the investigation focuses on alleged misuse of funds by nonprofit head Fay Beydoun and MEDC’s management of the grant.
According to Detroit News, approximately $10 million of the allocated $20 million was disbursed before state officials demanded that Global Link repay about $8.2 million due to misuse, including luxury expenditures. The remaining $10 million was withheld as part of the state's recovery efforts.
In comparison, Minnesota faced a larger-scale case with its "Feeding Our Future" program, where a federal jury convicted leaders involved in a $250 million pandemic food-aid fraud scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice highlighted extensive fraudulent claims and ongoing forfeiture efforts in this case, illustrating the scope of state-linked misuse cases across the nation.
Nesbitt serves as the Michigan Senate Republican Leader representing the 20th District. His political career includes roles as House majority floor leader and Senate president pro tempore, along with his previous position as Michigan Lottery Commissioner. His legislative priorities focus on fiscal restraint, tax policy, and economic development oversight.
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