VP Vance Visits Michigan: Offers National Guard to Detroit Amid Crime Debate, Highlights Economic Revival Efforts
September 17, 2025
Vice President JD Vance is visiting Howell, Michigan, on September 17, 2025, to tour a precision metal stamping facility and speak on President Trump's tax cuts for working families and businesses.
During his visit, Vance also offered to send the National Guard to Detroit to help address its high crime rates, urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer to request federal assistance.
Vance's engagement with Michigan's economic issues continues from a March visit aimed at revitalizing the manufacturing sector, reflecting his ongoing focus on the state's economic recovery.
Detroit's violent crime rates, including murders and carjackings, have decreased significantly in recent years, with 2024 recording the lowest murders in nearly 60 years, though the city still faces safety challenges.
Local officials, including Mayor Mike Duggan, have downplayed the need for federal troops, citing substantial crime reductions such as a 90% drop in carjackings since 2013.
Despite recent improvements, Detroit's violent crime rate remains four times higher than the national average, maintaining ongoing safety concerns.
Rogers has urged Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to request federal intervention, but the mayor's office dismisses this, citing successful law enforcement efforts.
The debate over federal military intervention is highly polarized, with conservatives supporting a militarized response and progressives advocating for systemic reforms.
Rogers has claimed residence in White Lake Township to bolster his Senate campaign, despite previous associations with Livingston County.
The offer of federal troops follows recent mobilizations in cities like Memphis, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., raising questions about the legality and scope of such interventions.
City officials warn that abandoning successful partnerships between federal, state, and local groups could threaten recent crime reduction achievements.
Public opinion on military aid is mixed; some residents support it due to high crime, while others believe community efforts suffice.
Vance condemned political violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful debate and honoring figures like Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed and credited with influencing conservative activism and Trump's 2016 victory.
Vance's visit also highlights ongoing political tensions, with critics questioning his priorities and linking his recent stance on Detroit's crime to broader national debates.
Vance's remarks come amid concerns over rising political violence nationally, though residents do not expect violence during his visit.
The event coincides with discussions on economic policies supporting working families, including praise from U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer for recent initiatives.
Vance's focus on Michigan's economic revival includes support for manufacturing and education reform, aiming to address root causes of crime and poverty.
The political landscape remains divided, with Democratic lawmakers condemning calls for federal intervention and criticizing the use of military force domestically.
Summary based on 32 sources
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Sources

Detroit Free Press • Sep 17, 2025
Vance to Whitmer: Offer still stands to send National Guard to Detroit
CBS News • Sep 16, 2025
Vice President JD Vance to stop in Howell, Michigan, this week
CBS News • Sep 17, 2025
Watch Live: Vice President JD Vance speaks in Howell, Michigan
CBS News • Sep 18, 2025
Detroiters speak on VP Vance's offer to send National Guard to Detroit