Howell, Michigan, September 18, 2025
News Summary
During a speech in Howell, Michigan, Vice President JD Vance announced the Trump administration’s readiness to deploy National Guard troops to assist in tackling crime in Detroit if requested by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Vance indicated that significant crime issues in the city necessitate such measures. In contrast, recent data shows a drop in violent crime rates in Detroit. Mayor Mike Duggan rejected the idea of troop deployment, advocating for collaborative crime management strategies. Vance’s speech also focused on promoting economic policies amid the state’s high unemployment rate.
Howell, Michigan – Vice President JD Vance announced during a speech that the Trump administration is prepared to deploy National Guard troops to assist with crime issues in Detroit, should Governor Gretchen Whitmer make such a request. This statement was made at Hatch Stamping, a manufacturing facility in Howell, as Vance addressed supporters during a national tour aimed at promoting Trump’s tax and spending cut law amid economic challenges in Michigan.
Vance highlighted serious crime problems in Detroit as a significant factor for potentially sending troops, drawing parallels to recent deployments in Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee. He expressed the belief that such actions are crucial for reclaiming American streets from crime. Despite the Vice President’s statements, recent data reflects a significant decrease in violent crime rates in Detroit, with homicides, shootings, and carjackings reportedly declining to their lowest levels since 1965 in 2024, according to city spokesperson John Roach.
Governor Whitmer’s office has yet to respond regarding the offer of National Guard assistance. Meanwhile, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has dismissed the idea of deploying troops, asserting that the city’s current strategies for crime management have proven effective. Duggan’s administration advocates for collaborative efforts involving federal, state, county, and private violence prevention organizations, which have contributed to recent successes in crime reduction.
Vance’s speech was part of a broader initiative to promote economic policies in Michigan, a state grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. The manufacturing sector has only gained a marginal number of jobs since January 2025, indicating stagnant economic growth. Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the potential for significant tax cuts for Michigan families under the new law. U.S. Representative Tom Barrett mentioned an average increase of $10,000 per year in take-home pay for households as a result of the tax reform.
Critics of the new tax law argue that the projected savings primarily stem from extending previous tax cuts, and that the actual financial benefits may vary widely based on specific economic growth assumptions. Economists have characterized the optimistic projections made by proponents of the law as unrealistic, especially in light of the slower job growth observed in the state.
During his address, Vance acknowledged the expanded child tax credit but cautioned that many families in Michigan—particularly those with lower incomes—may not benefit from it significantly. He also used the platform to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist recently killed in a shooting, underscoring the need for increased safety and a unified response against drug issues in the United States.
As Michigan navigates its economic landscape, the Democratic National Committee criticized Vance’s visit, indicating that the policies of the Trump administration have adversely affected the financial stability of Michigan families.
Overall, the discourse at Vance’s address and the surrounding responses reveal a complex interplay between public safety, economic strategies, and political rhetoric as Michigan seeks effective solutions to its ongoing challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Advance
- Click On Detroit
- Detroit Free Press
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
