Michigan, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to Hatch Stamping in Howell, Michigan focused on promoting Trump administration initiatives to revitalize U.S. manufacturing jobs. During his visit, he suggested increasing federal troop presence in Detroit despite a notable drop in crime rates. Local leaders, including Detroit’s mayor, contested his call for military intervention, emphasizing the city’s significant safety improvements. Vance’s remarks also underscored his plan to revoke electric vehicle mandates to support auto workers, igniting debates about crime and economic policies in Michigan.
Howell, Michigan – On September 17, 2025, Vice President JD Vance visited Hatch Stamping, a precision metal stamping facility, to promote the Trump administration’s initiatives aimed at revitalizing U.S. manufacturing jobs. During his visit, Vance proposed the deployment of federal troops to Detroit, despite the city currently experiencing its lowest crime rates in years.
Vance’s call for increased law enforcement action is directed at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, urging her to allow the National Guard to patrol in Detroit. This suggestion mirrors actions taken in Washington D.C. and Memphis, Tennessee under President Trump’s directive. His statements occur in the context of recent crime statistics reporting a decrease in both violent and property crimes in Detroit. The latest reports reveal only one homicide and six non-fatal shootings in the past week, reinforcing the city’s ongoing trend toward reduced violence.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat who is now running for governor as an independent, responded to Vance’s suggestions by asserting that there is no current need for federal military intervention, pointing to the city’s significant turnaround over recent years. Vance emphasized the pivotal role of law enforcement in maintaining community safety, reiterating claims about enhancing local security by more robustly managing criminal behavior.
In his speech, Vance shifted focus from manufacturing job creation to addressing crime, making a case for policies he believes would enhance public safety. Notably, he reiterated his commitment to revoking the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate, asserting that this would further benefit American auto workers. His visit saw attendance from several Michigan Republicans, including U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and Congressman Tom Barrett, both of whom praised Trump’s administration for purportedly creating jobs and promoting economic stability.
The Democratic National Committee responded critically to Vance’s claims regarding job growth, noting that Michigan’s manufacturing sector has lost approximately 42,000 jobs since his last visit in March. DNC representatives contended that the policies of the Trump administration have led to economic hardships for working families, citing increasing prices and job losses as primary concerns for constituents.
Furthermore, Vance took a moment during his visit to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot in Utah a week prior; he pledged to advocate for free speech and unify communities against the backdrop of growing political violence. Vance’s remarks included a firm stance against what he labeled as “left-wing radicals,” aligning with a broader Republican narrative aimed at contrasting their law-and-order approach with the Democratic perspective.
Reactions from event attendees varied significantly. Some expressed anxiety and sought clarity regarding the economic implications of current policies, while others voiced strong support for the Trump administration’s strategies. Nearby, counter-protests organized by Democratic Party members highlighted their dissent, as they raised concerns regarding job losses within the Michigan manufacturing sector and criticized the administration’s broader economic agenda.
The juxtaposition of the vice president’s emphasis on public safety through increased federal troop deployment alongside a solid trend of declining crime rates in Detroit presents a contentious dialogue on the effectiveness of policy interventions in improving community security and economic conditions. As discussions unfold, the implications of these debates will significantly influence Michigan’s political landscape moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- CBS News
- WHMI
- MLive
- WLIX News
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Search: JD Vance
- Google Scholar: Michigan economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vice President
- Google News: JD Vance Howell Michigan
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.
