Michigan Gov. Whitmer's Trade Mission to Europe Cost About $208,000

Gov. Whitmer in Milan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's February trade mission to Germany and Italy cost about $208,000, the Detroit News reports, citing documents it obtained through an open records request.

The News reports:

A spokeswoman for the state's Michigan Economic Development Corp. said about 88% of the trip's costs were paid for by the MEDC, while 12% came from the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that raises money from businesses to support the governor's travels.

Eleven others went on the trip, including the governor's chief of staff, JoAnne Huls; deputy chief of staff Zack Pohl; and the director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Paul Rogers, according to MEDC documents. Five others were Michigan State Police employees who provided security, The News reports. 

The trip included a stop at the Winter Olympics in Milan.