Michigan GOP chair faces mounting questions over finances after brawl between party officials

A physical fight that broke out at a Michigan Republican Party meeting has intensified scrutiny on the financial operations being overseen by controversial party chair Kristina Karamo, Michigan Advance reported on Monday.

"Mark DeYoung, chairman of the Clare County Republican Party, told the Detroit News that he was attacked by Wayne County Republican James Chapman when he opened a locked door Chapman was trying to open," reported Jon King. "'He kicked me in my balls as soon as I opened the door,' DeYoung told the News, adding that Chapman then slammed him into a chair, breaking his rib and requiring a trip to the emergency room. Chapman alleges DeYoung took a swing at him first, prompting him to remove his glasses."

According to the report, this scuffle — which could ultimately lead to criminal charges — is a reflection of turmoil in the state party, being driven in part by rank-and-file frustration over Karamo's transparency with party finances.

"In March, Karamo announced the Michigan GOP wouldn’t be using its Lansing headquarters, which she said would cost $12,000 per month to keep operating," said the report. "It was also reported by MIRS last month that the credit card used by the Michigan Republican Party to reserve tables at the Oakland County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner featuring Trump was initially declined. Karamo also removed Matthew Johnson as chair of the party’s Budget Committee, while barring her co-chair, Malinda Pego, from having access to the party’s bank account. Karamo reportedly said Johnson had failed to keep her informed on the party’s budget and had kicked her chief of staff out of a budget committee meeting. In response, Johnson claimed the party was 'on the path to bankruptcy,' due to spending 'far out of proportion with income.'"

Karamo, who was elected to chair the party after an unsuccessful bid for the Secretary of State of Michigan, is a far-right conspiracy theorist who has pushed false claims that Democrats have stolen elections. She has also endorsed parts of the QAnon movement, even suggesting Democrats consume the blood of infants and sell their body parts, and believes various celebrities and influencers are causing demonic possession.

Since taking over the Michigan Republican Party, she has not toned down her strange beliefs, claiming that the Holocaust was caused by gun control, and then claiming people who were outraged by her remarks are "hilarious".