UMVA has learned that a groundbreaking ceremony for a massive $16 billion data center campus, known as "Stargate," was held in Saline, Michigan, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer in attendance.
The event marked the official announcement of the project, a joint venture between Oracle and Related Companies, with involvement from OpenAI. This development is one of the largest data center projects in the United States, sparking controversy and concern among local residents.
During the ceremony, Governor Whitmer was caught on a hot mic in an arrogant exchange with Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk, revealing her dismissive attitude towards the concerns of rural Michigan residents. She was heard saying, "We're used to people saying no… and doing it anyway!"
This comment has sparked outrage, as local residents had voted overwhelmingly against the project, citing concerns about its massive industrial footprint, enormous electricity and water consumption, and impact on their way of life. Despite their opposition, the project is being pushed through, with Whitmer and corporate interests seemingly determined to ram it through.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this project involves a shocking connection to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is running for Governor. Her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, is a high-level executive at Related Companies, the parent company of Related Digital, which is developing the data center campus.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Friedrichs has a direct and massive financial interest in the deal, with estimates suggesting he could personally stand to make $70 million or more from this project. This raises serious questions about Benson's commitment to transparency and accountability, especially given her role in shaping election rules and policies.
In a stunning example of cronyism, Friedrichs was previously involved in a scheme to delete public emails related to a nonprofit organization, according to a report by the Detroit Office of the Inspector General. This scandal highlights the deep connections between politicians, corporate interests, and personal gain.
As Governor Whitmer and Secretary of State Benson push forward with this project, the people of Michigan deserve to know exactly who benefits when politicians say "we're doing it anyway" – even when the people say "no." The implications of this project and the actions of these politicians raise serious concerns about democracy, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process.
