May 19, 2021
MRA Files IRS Complaint Over Whitmer’s Unauthorized Private Charter Flight
LANSING, Mich., May 19, 2021 – Michigan Rising Action filed a complaint with the IRS alleging nonprofit 501(c)(4) funds were misused to pay for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s unauthorized private charter flight to Florida.
In the attached IRS complaint, first reported by The Detroit News, Michigan Rising Action alleges that Governor Whitmer’s travel on a private charter flight paid for by a 501(c)(4) is not within the exempt purpose of the organization and was a “private benefit” to the Governor. This appears to be a direct violation of Internal Revenue Code, and is the subject of the investigation request.
The IRS complaint comes amidst a growing number of issues surrounding Governor Whitmer’s trip to Florida. Whitmer initially refused to disclose any information about the trip, which occurred at a time when her administration strongly cautioned Michiganders against traveling to Florida for Spring Break. She then defied another guidance issued by her own administration by returning to Michigan and failing to quarantine herself. Further scrutiny has focused on the flight itself, when earlier this week the FAA confirmed that the plane used was not authorized for charter flights.
“Governor Whitmer’s use of 501(c)(4) funds for personal benefit is a clear violation of the law and we’ve asked the IRS to launch a full investigation into the matter,” said Eric Ventimiglia, Executive Director of Michigan Rising Action. Ventimiglia continued, “From her blatant hypocrisy to the litany of ethical and legal violations, Governor Whitmer has spent the last two months misleading the people of Michigan about her trip to Florida. It’s time for her to be held accountable.”