Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent approximately $180,000 on a six-day trip to Europe in June, including expenses for her delegation and advance personnel, averaging nearly $30,000 per day.
This is according to records obtained by The Center Square through a Freedom of Information Act request filed with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization, “supported” the trip, according to the governor’s office. The MEDC is a taxpayer-funded government entity.
Some of the notable expenses included a nearly $4,000 dinner, a $60 “coffee” receipt and $150 for drinks at a “taphouse” following a $1,400 dinner that same day.
Expenses also included $40,000 for airfare, nearly $100,000 for hotel accommodations, $18,000 for meals, $6,000 for transportation and $6,000 for miscellaneous expenses, including a $3,400 ‘Notre Dame’ tour.
Whitmer’s office argued the trip to France, Belgium and Luxembourg was critical for the state’s business relations.
“On this investment mission, we’ll strengthen ties with European allies, showcase Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and innovation, and bring home new opportunities that create good-paying jobs for Michiganders,” Whitmer, a Democrat, said at the time.
As previously reported by The Center Square, Republicans criticized the trip, especially as it came amid budget negotiations.
“Productive budget negotiations are on hold because the governor wanted to go vacation in Europe,” said state Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock. “Our schools are waiting on us to get the budget done; we don’t have time for state-funded croissant tastings or TikTok videos in front of the Eiffel Tower.”
Whitmer’s office has defended the trip as an “international investment mission.”
The trip began with the delegation’s attendance at Eurosatory, a major defense and security conference in Paris. Whitmer was the only American governor attending Eurosatory this year.
“Michigan’s ongoing relationships across Europe continue to create opportunities for our businesses, workers, and communities,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. “As an international-facing state, these engagements help position Michigan businesses of all sizes for growth, thus creating more opportunities for Michiganders while reinforcing our state’s reputation as a trusted global partner.”
Whitmer’s office said 12 Michigan-based companies exhibited at Eurosatory through the state’s international trade program.
While in Paris, Whitmer met with executives from several companies that have recently expanded or announced investments in Michigan, including Saab, American Rheinmetall and RENK Group.
The governor’s office said the companies represented in those meetings have committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and more than 800 jobs to Michigan communities.
For the trip, Whitmer took an “economic delegation” of ten others. Those included:
• Joanne Huls, chief of staff, Executive Office of the Governor
• Quentin Messer Jr., chief executive officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Marc Corriveau, senior vice president and chief government relations officer, Henry Ford Health System
• Laura Appel, executive vice president, Michigan Health and Hospital Association
• Phil Yeiter, senior director of government relations, Priority Health/Corewell Health
• John T. Gutierrez, retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, executive director, Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation
• Vlatko Tomic-Bobas, investment director, Europe, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Terry Krinvic, deputy chief of staff, Executive Office of the Governor
• Aungelica “Angel” Boshea, executive assistant to the governor, Executive Office of the Governor
• Maci Gilmore, assistant chief of protocol, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
While Whitmer and her delegation arrived in Paris on June 14, meal receipts began June 9. When asked about the discrepancy, MEDC Press Danielle Emerson told The Center Square that two MEDC team members and members of the Michigan State Police “advanced the Gov’s entire visit before her arrival.”
The costs for those five days were $3,143.87, compared to $14,039.45 for the six days the whole delegation was there.
This is not the first time Whitmer has faced criticism over her international travel, which reportedly cost roughly $1 million in 2025. In January, she took a $61,000 trip to Switzerland.
The Center Square is currently awaiting a response to a FOIA request for the cost of her September trip to South Korea and Taiwan.
