Detroit, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Vice President JD Vance announced the Trump administration’s readiness to deploy National Guard troops to Detroit if Governor Gretchen Whitmer requests assistance amid rising crime concerns. Vance’s remarks followed a discussion on Detroit’s recent improvements in crime statistics, which show a significant drop in both homicides and carjackings. Despite the overall positive trends, challenges such as drug-related issues persist. Governor Whitmer has yet to respond to Vance’s offer, raising questions about future collaboration between state and federal authorities.
Detroit – Vice President JD Vance announced that the Trump administration is prepared to deploy National Guard troops to Detroit in response to ongoing crime concerns, if requested by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Vance made these remarks during a speech at Hatch Stamping in Howell, Michigan, emphasizing the serious crime issues facing the city.
During his speech, Vance highlighted recent instances where armed forces have been deployed to various locations, including Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee, citing these as necessary actions to combat crime effectively. He directly called on Governor Whitmer, expressing willingness to send assistance, stating that all she must do is make the request.
Governor Whitmer’s office did not provide a response to Vance’s offer, leaving questions about potential collaboration unanswered. Despite Detroit’s reputation as one of the more violent cities in America, crime statistics indicate a positive trend, as the city recorded its lowest number of murders in nearly 60 years in 2024. This milestone has been recognized by Detroit’s Mayor, Mike Duggan.
Furthermore, reports from city officials indicate a significant decline in both shootings and carjackings, with figures reaching their lowest levels since 1965. City spokesperson John Roach attributes this decrease to effective collaborative strategies between violence prevention groups and law enforcement. City officials believe abandoning these strategies would hinder the progress made in reducing crime rates.
In his speech, Vance discussed Detroit’s ongoing challenges, including drug-related issues, particularly concerning fentanyl. He also expressed solidarity with the family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed, and condemned the increasing instances of political violence. Vance’s address was part of a national tour to promote the Trump administration’s economic initiatives, such as tax and spending cuts, amid Michigan’s economic instability.
The event took place in Howell, a location that is part of a competitive congressional district ahead of upcoming elections. Vance’s comments on crime come as factors concerning Detroit’s safety are increasingly highlighted, while Mayor Duggan defended the city’s approaches and outcomes regarding crime management.
Detroit is experiencing a reported decrease of 15% in homicides and a significant drop of 30% in carjackings this year. Local authorities maintain their belief that the city’s strategy for law enforcement has been effective, and there is optimism for continued improvement. Critics of the Trump administration have raised concerns about the call for military assistance, questioning its constitutionality and potential implications for local governance.
Adding to the complexity of the situation in Michigan, the state’s economy is currently facing challenges including high unemployment and stagnant job growth. Detractors of Trump’s economic policies note that residents are dealing with rising prices and diminishing wages, arguing that conditions are worsening rather than improving. The new tax and spending law that Vance and Trump are advocating extends previous tax cuts but has met with mixed reviews regarding its impact on various income groups.
As the conversation around crime and economic policy continues, Vance’s offer of National Guard support reflects a broader dialogue on public safety and governance in Detroit. The forthcoming discussions and actions from both state and federal officials will be closely monitored as the city seeks to navigate its crime challenges while maintaining its recent progress in reducing violence.
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Additional Resources
- Bridge Michigan
- Michigan Advance
- Click On Detroit
- Detroit Free Press
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- Google Search: JD Vance Detroit
- Google Scholar: JD Vance National Guard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Google News: Detroit crime 2025
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.
