Cox Demands Answers from Whitmer Administration as Questions Mount in $20 Million Scandal

“The public deserves to know exactly what Gretchen Whitmer knew and when.”

LIVONIA, MI — Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is demanding immediate transparency from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration following new details surrounding the $20 million earmark tied to the Fay Beydoun case.

Cox said reports of meetings, internal discussions, and claims that the project had backing from within the Whitmer administration raise serious questions about how the funding was approved and what role the Governor’s Office played.

Whitmer Administration Entangled in Criminal Case Against Beydoun, The Detroit News

“The Attorney General's Office obtained a record that indicated Beydoun had a meeting planned with Whitmer on Dec. 9, 2021, according to the affidavit. The office said investigators haven't been able to confirm whether the meeting took place.

Beydoun's "outline" for the meeting referenced a $25 million funding request and items Beydoun had "delivered," according to the affidavit. Among the delivered items listed by Beydoun was "$330k first term" and working with MEDC CEO Quentin Messer Jr. on "establishing relationships with Republicans."

“This is about whether the Whitmer administration was aware of and involved in pushing through a taxpayer-funded project to one of her cronies that never should have been approved in the first place.”

Cox called on the administration to release all communications, calendars, and records related to the project and any interactions with Beydoun or associated parties.

“The people of Michigan deserve full transparency,” Cox said. “Who in the Governor’s Office was involved in these discussions? What meetings took place? And why was this project allowed to move forward despite serious concerns?”

Cox also pointed to his April pledge to open the Governor’s office to FOIA, as he did as Attorney General.

“As Governor, I will make the Governor’s Office subject to FOIA and open it up to the public,” Cox said. “Michigan needs leadership that will demand answers, enforce accountability, and restore trust in government.”

April 23rd, 2026- Mike Cox Pledges To Open The Governor’s Office To Public Records Requests

May 6th, 2026- Reports Of Whitmer Administration Ties To Fay Beydoun