Photo byRichard Rosendale

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has once again found himself in the spotlight, doubling down on claims that the impending auction of the iconic Greenbrier Hotel is driven by political motivations. The scheduled auction on August 27th, which Justice insists is a targeted move due to his U.S. Senate campaign, is part of a larger pattern of financial troubles that have plagued him for years. Justice asserts that no one saw this coming, but a closer look reveals that this is not the first time the Greenbrier has faced such a fate.

“It has to be driven by something,” Justice said during a recent media briefing. “I truly believe it’s a political play. Everybody I talk to says the same thing—it’s a political play.”

A Pattern of Financial Trouble

The luxury resort was already up for auction earlier this year, a sign that the financial strain on the Justice family’s empire is far from new. Justice’s claims of political foul play stem from JPMorgan Chase’s decision to sell a $40 million loan, which was subsequently declared in default by the new lender, leading to the scheduled public auction. The governor, who has often used his political platform to defend his business dealings, suggests that this move is a calculated attempt to undermine his Senate campaign.

“I truly believe with all in me if I’m not running for the U.S. Senate you would have never heard about this,” Justice stated. “You have never heard about this in 10 million years. We would have continued to do exactly what we’ve been doing with JPMorgan, and everybody would be happy in the neighborhood.”

However, he has provided little evidence to back up these accusations, leaving many to question whether his financial woes are simply the result of poor business practices rather than a political conspiracy.

Beyond the Greenbrier: A History of Financial Irresponsibility

The Greenbrier auction is just one chapter in a broader narrative of Justice’s financial mismanagement. His failure to pay property taxes has led to other properties being auctioned off as well, a pattern that has raised eyebrows across the state. Despite his lofty position as governor, Justice has consistently failed to meet his financial obligations, a luxury that most West Virginians cannot afford. This recurring issue raises the question: has his status as governor provided him with protections that shield him from the consequences that regular citizens would undoubtedly face?

Justice himself acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “It is not good for Carter Bank. It’s not good for Jim Justice, but it’s way, way, way not good for the business of the Greenbrier, the people of the Greenbrier, and all the great work they do all the time.”

Special Treatment for a Governor?

West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin voiced this sentiment, highlighting the disparity between Justice’s treatment and what the average person would endure. "You or I could not get away with not even a tenth of what Jim Justice hasn’t gotten away with in life," Pushkin remarked, pointing out that Justice’s refusal to pay his debts has not only tarnished his business reputation but also put the state’s pride, the Greenbrier, at risk.

Pushkin further commented, “It’s a shame to see it auctioned off on the courthouse steps because of the way this guy (Justice) treats business partners because he refuses to pay debts.”

The Bigger Picture

Justice’s insistence that the auction is politically motivated may resonate with his supporters, but the facts paint a different picture. The financial troubles that have led to the auction of the Greenbrier and other properties are not new, nor are they isolated incidents. They are part of a larger pattern of financial irresponsibility that has plagued Justice’s business ventures for years. While he may continue to frame these challenges as politically driven, the reality is that his financial woes are of his own making, and no amount of political rhetoric can change that.

Justice emphasized his belief that politics are at play, saying, “I believe with all my soul that this will get worked out, but if you believe that this is not a political play I think you’re crazy. There is no other reason. There’s no reason.”

Conclusion: What’s Next for the Greenbrier?

As the auction date approaches, the fate of the Greenbrier hangs in the balance, along with the livelihoods of those who depend on the resort. Whether Justice can find a way to resolve this crisis remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his financial troubles go far beyond the Greenbrier, and they are a reflection of a much larger issue that even his status as governor cannot shield him from forever.