Gov. Whitmer’s re-elect campaign to pay for controversial flight to Florida that defied her own COVID-19 restrictions

Whitmer was originally going to pay PVS Chemicals of Detroit $27,521 for the private flight to Florida using a nonprofit corporation that she controls.

PVS had organized the flight for Whitmer after previously receiving an inquiry from Whitmer's team regarding whether it had an available plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated earlier this month that it would be looking into the Detroit-based Air Eagle that PVS uses because it doesn't have a certificate allowing charter-type services.

The change in flight payment source comes after Michigan Rising filed a complaint with the IRS over the use of Whitmer's Michigan Transition 2019, according to the Detroit News.

PVS told Michigan Transition 2019 on May 17 that FAA rules prevented it from taking the money from the social welfare organization.

"Based on this new understanding, the cost of the flight will now be paid from the Whitmer for Governor campaign fund consistent with FAA rules," Trebilcock said.

The campaign also reportedly paid $22,670 for a non-commercial plane operated by Solomon Plumbing Co. for flights to and from Washington DC for President Joe Biden's inauguration.

"For the reasons discussed above, and even though the trip was in furtherance of the governor’s official duties, the Whitmer for Governor campaign committee issued a check for the value of the flight," stated Trebilcock, referring to security risks surrounding Whitmer flying commercial at the time.