John James’ Detroit Tigers home opener message conflicts with Turks & Caicos travel

U.S. Rep. John James (R-MI) is taking criticism for making a Detroit Tigers post about the team’s home opener on Friday while he vacations in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The post features James attending a game at the team’s Comerica Park, which is the same photo he posted when he attended a postseason game last October, as reported by Detroit News’ Chad Livengood.

Then this morning, @JohnJamesMI posted a picture of him and his kids at Comerica Park with an Opening Day message.https://t.co/WlMsRtHtHR
Except that this photo is from last October. pic.twitter.com/hHj3dgKWCW

— Chad Livengood (@ChadLivengood) April 3, 2026

The comments section under James’ post feature numerous X users criticizing James and accusing him of misrepresenting that he was in Detroit on Friday. Distill Social and TMZ reported that the Michigan Republican was actually on vacation in Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

. @JohnJamesMI who refuses to face angry constituents at home, apparently has plenty of time for a pricey Caribbean getaway. While Michigan families are getting crushed by rising costs and Republicans push even more cuts to social programs like SNAP and Medicaid, James was… pic.twitter.com/VxrgQNmNKN

— Distill Social (@DistillSocial) April 2, 2026

James’ spokesperson Hanna Osantaowske told Detroit News that the congressman “wasn’t at the resurrection either but we’re still posting about it.”

When I inquired to @JohnJamesMI’s campaign about whether he really at @Tigers #OpeningDay or vacationing in the Turks and Caicos, his spokeswoman Hannah Osantowske replied: “John wasn’t at the resurrection either but we’re still posting about it.”https://t.co/slzyzKbLUl

— Chad Livengood (@ChadLivengood) April 3, 2026

James’ campaign for governor

The situation comes as James is struggling in his bid for governor in Michigan. Last month, James garnered 0% from Black voters in the state in a survey conducted by Glengraff Group, despite being the only Black candidate in the hypothetical three-way matchup.

James has also failed to receive an endorsement from President Donald Trump, as Trump encouraged James’ opponent Perry Johnson to enter the race, according to WLSN 6. In a JMC Analytics survey from last month, Johnson was polling just three points behind James in the Republican primary election, which will be held on Aug. 4.

Michigan Governor GOP Primary

John James: 23%
Perry Johnson: 20%
Mike Cox: 6%
Aric Nesbitt: 5%
Tom Leonard: 3%
⬜ Not sure: 44%
——
Fav-unfav
James: 65-24 (+41)
Johnson: 45-21 (+24)@WinWithJMC | 3/21-23 | 450 LVhttps://t.co/It7qo536lo pic.twitter.com/BXos4WyCmT

— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) March 24, 2026