Vice President JD Vance visited Howell, Michigan, for an event initially promoted as a discussion on tax reductions and economic strategy. However, much of his address veered toward topics outside economic policy, including the recent fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a rally in Utah. Vance honored Kirk’s efforts to engage younger audiences in conservative movements and condemned the act as politically motivated violence. “We reject political violence,” Vance stated, “and we reject the radical left elements responsible for killing our friend Charlie Kirk. Let’s resolve disagreements through dialogue, not gunfire.” n nProsecutors confirmed that Kirk was attacked due to his political views, though no specific motive has been disclosed. Vance also addressed urban crime, particularly in Detroit, where violent crime rates have historically ranked among the highest in major U.S. cities, though local officials report a downward trend in recent years. During his remarks, Vance directed comments at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, offering federal support: “The people of Detroit suffer most when crime runs unchecked,” he said. “Gretchen, we’re ready to deploy the National Guard—just ask.” The statement was met with applause, though the Whitmer administration had not responded publicly at the time. n nThe Trump administration has previously faced criticism for deploying National Guard units to various cities, including Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, other speakers at the event, held at a metal stamping facility near Howell, focused more closely on economic themes. U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and initiatives aimed at revitalizing American industry. “It turns out all we needed to spark a golden era was a new president,” she remarked. n nDespite these claims, economic challenges persist. Inflation remains slightly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and recent data from the Associated Press indicates that hiring has nearly stalled, with unemployment inching upward. The Democratic National Committee criticized the event, asserting that the administration’s policies have led to rising prices, declining wages, job losses, and a weakening manufacturing base. “Trump and Vance have delivered an economic disaster,” said DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer. n— news from Michigan Public
— News Original —
VP Vance’s economic policy address in Howell veers into Detroit crime and Kirk assassination
Vice President JD Vance was in Howell Wednesday for an event that was originally promised to be about tax cuts and economic policy. n nBut the vice president spent more time talking about other issues, including the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old influencer died after being shot at a rally last week in Utah. n nVance praised Kirk’s efforts to attract more young people to conservative causes. n n“We reject political violence,” said Vance, “And we reject the crazy left-wing radicals that gunned down our friend Charlie Kirk. Let’s talk to one another and not try to shoot each other down for disagreeing.” n nProsecutors said Tuesday that Kirk was targeted “based on his political expression,” but they haven ‘t offered more details or a specific motive. n nCrime was also a topic the vice president touched on — specifically, crime in Detroit. n nDetroit’s violent crime rate has been among the highest in America’s largest cities, though city officials say it has been declining in recent years. n nAt one point in his Howell speech, Vance turned his remarks on combating crime in Detroit to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer: “It’s the people in Detroit who suffer the most when crime is allowed to run rampant all over city streets,” said Vance. “Gretchen, we are glad to send the national guard to Detroit, Michigan. All you ‘ve got to do is ask,” which drew cheers from the crowd. n nThe Trump administration has been criticized for sending national guard troops to several U.S. cities, including the nation’s capital. n nThere was no immediate response yet from the Whitmer administration to Vance’s offer to order national guard troops to Michigan’s largest city. n nOther speakers spent more time talking about the Trump administration’s economic policies at the event at a metal stamping plant near Howell. n nU.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised the administration’s efforts to cut taxes and regulations, along with other attemptws to spur U.S. businesses. n n“Turns out all we needed to kick off the golden age was a new president,” said Chavez-DeRemer. n nThere are economic headwinds, though. n nInflation remains modestly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. And according to the Associated Press, hiring has ground nearly to a halt in recent months and the unemployment rate has ticked higher. n nThe Democratic National Committee slammed the vice president’s appearance in Michigan. n n“Trump and Vance have delivered an economic disaster: Prices are soaring, wages are decreasing, jobs are disappearing, and the manufacturing sector is being gutted,” said DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer.