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Sen. Jim Justice, WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey Exchange Jabs Over Greenbrier Deal

By jili tutorial · August 31, 2026

Sen. Jim Justice, WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey Exchange Jabs Over Greenbrier Deal

They may belong to the same political party, but U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) have a rivalry that just reached a new boiling point. At the center of the latest clash: the future of The Greenbrier resort and its Casino Club.

Regulatory Approval Secures The Greenbrier’s Casino

On Wednesday (Aug. 26), the West Virginia Lottery Commission unanimously approved New York-based Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (KLIM) as the controlling owner of The Greenbrier. The institutional alternative investment firm recently completed its $500 million purchase of a 51% stake in the historic White Sulphur Springs resort from the Justice family. The Justice family will retain 49% ownership in “America’s Resort.”

The Lottery Commission’s approval ensures The Greenbrier’s Casino Club will remain open. Regulators determined that three designees from KLIM were suitable to hold a state gaming license under the resort’s new parent company, Greenbrier Holdco, LLC.

New Owner and Board Structure

“Our staff looked at this and spent a lot of time on this. It was a huge transaction. It was a lot of paperwork. It was a lot of information. The Greenbrier is a crown jewel of our state. The main thing is that they (KLIM) bring stability and financial integrity to The Greenbrier,” said acting Lottery Director David Bradley.

Two additional seats on the Greenbrier Holdco board will be filled by Justice family appointees. Dr. Jill Justice, the senator’s daughter, will occupy one seat, while the other has yet to be determined.

A Political Feud Goes Public

The Justice family rescued The Greenbrier from bankruptcy in 2009. Using the family’s coal mining wealth, they turned the resort around, saving thousands of jobs and keeping one of West Virginia’s most iconic properties in operation. Over the years, however, critics have accused the Justice family of deferring needed maintenance and transferring or loaning resort funds to other family-owned businesses.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who succeeded Justice last year, has been quick to scrutinize his predecessor’s fiscal record. Now, he isn’t hiding his relief that Justice no longer holds majority control of The Greenbrier.

Morrisey: A Chance for Financial Stability

“I am hopeful that the new controlling owner will bring much needed financial stability to the iconic Greenbrier. While The Greenbrier remains under the Lottery Commission’s financial watch, our administration will continue its monitoring of the casino and remain vigilant in our ongoing efforts to protect West Virginia jobs,” Morrisey said.

Justice: A Record of Job Creation

Justice immediately fired back.

“Patrick seems awfully eager to take shots at people who actually take risks, build businesses, and create jobs in West Virginia. I’ve spent my life doing exactly that — signing the front of paychecks for thousands of West Virginians, not just collecting one. My family saved The Greenbrier, invested hundreds of millions of dollars in West Virginia, and helped put thousands of people to work. Now the resort has a strong new partner and a bright future. Patrick can keep playing politics. We’ll keep building,” Justice said.

The Social Media Scoreboard

As of Thursday morning (Aug. 27), Justice’s post on X had generated more than 125,000 views and 235 likes. Morrisey’s response, by comparison, drew fewer than 5,000 views and 25 likes.

More Words From the Governor

Morrisey didn’t let the exchange end there.

“I wish you the best, but you can’t blame me or anyone else for your financial mismanagement in losing The Greenbrier. I hope you’ll join the Greenbrier’s new leadership and me in keeping jobs in West Virginia while restoring the resort to its former glory,” the governor said in response to Justice’s post.

What the $500 Million Investment Will Cover

KLIM’s investment allows The Greenbrier to settle its debt with Omni Hotels. Omni had acquired a $289.5 million loan on the resort and attempted to force the property into receivership after the loan went unpaid following its April 1 maturity.

The exact final payoff, including accrued interest, has not been disclosed, but reports indicate the total exceeds $300 million. KLIM’s funding will also be used to pay outstanding federal, state, and county taxes, with the remaining money set aside for resort repairs and maintenance.