CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A public feud between two of West Virginia’s most prominent Republican leaders emerged Wednesday as Gov. Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Sen. Jim Justice traded pointed statements on social media over the future and ownership of The Greenbrier.
The exchange began after Morrisey issued a statement Wednesday regarding New York-based Kennedy Lewis gaining majority control of The Greenbrier and receiving approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission for operation of the resort’s casino.
Morrisey said he was hopeful the new controlling owner would bring “much needed financial stability” to the historic resort and said his administration would work with Lloyd Nathan, the new chairman of The Greenbrier Resort’s board, to “refurbish and enhance this historic property.”
The comments came after a period of financial and legal uncertainty surrounding the resort and a change in its ownership structure. The Justice family, which purchased The Greenbrier in 2009, recently entered into a $500 million joint venture with Kennedy Lewis, giving the investment firm majority control while the Justice family retained an ownership interest.
Following Morrisey’s statement, Justice responded on social media, accusing the governor of taking political shots at him and defending his family’s record at The Greenbrier.
“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.”
Morrisey responded to Justice approximately 40 minutes later, directly addressing the senator’s criticism and blaming financial mismanagement for the change in control of the resort.
“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.
“Keep the faith!”
The back-and-forth marks a public escalation in tensions between Morrisey, who succeeded Justice as governor in 2025, and Justice, who left the governor’s office after two terms and now represents West Virginia in the U.S. Senate.
Despite the pointed exchange, both Morrisey and Justice said they want The Greenbrier to remain successful and continue providing jobs in West Virginia.
