In a bold move, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a stern warning to the head of the state’s National Guard, demanding that troops be used solely for America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C, and not for President Donald Trump‘s controversial crime-fighting task force. The governor’s letter, obtained by NPR, threatens to pull Michigan’s troops from the city if her conditions are not met.
The dispute arises from a federal deployment of hundreds of troops to D.C. in, ostensibly to address crime, despite declining crime rates. The number of troops has since grown to more than 4,800 from D.C. and nearly two dozen states, primarily Republican-led until recently. Michigan, with 161 guard members in the city, is one of four Democratic-led states that sent troops ahead of the America 250 celebrations.
Democratic States Push Back Against Federal Deployment
Michigan joins MinnesotaNorth Carolina and Kentucky in sending National Guard members to D.C. for the America 250 festivities. However, Kentucky recently recalled its sole guard member after the federal government reassigned them to the crime-fighting task force without Governor Andy Beshear‘s consent.
All four Democratic-led states have made it clear that their guard members were sent to support the America 250 mission, not for law enforcement purposes. They have also expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s ongoing deployment of National Guard troops to D.C, even filing an amicus brief in support of litigation challenging the deployment as recently as May.
Confusion Over Troop Assignments
A recent video showing troops identifying themselves as Michigan National Guard members patrolling the Georgetown waterfront—an upscale neighborhood far from any official America 250 events—has added to the confusion. The video, authenticated by NPR, raises questions about the true purpose of the troops’ deployment.
Under Title 32 status, the federal government funds the deployment, but state governors maintain control and command of their troops. However, former National Guard officials argue that it’s impractical for states to oversee day-to-day activities in a complex national mission like the one in D.C.
Governor Whitmer’s Ultimatum
In her letter, Governor Whitmer emphasized that the Michigan National Guard should only support the narrow and limited America 250 Mission. She wrote, “If the National Guard has defined the America 250 Mission to extend beyond direct support for events celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, please let me know so we can ensure the Michigan National Guard’s efforts are carefully limited.”
The letter goes on to state that if the governor’s conditions cannot be ensured, she will “end Michigan’s support for the America 250 mission.” Legal experts, including those at the Brennan Center for Justice worry that distinguishing between the America 250 celebration and the joint task force’s mission will be challenging.
Joint Task Force’s Response
When asked about the confusion, a spokesperson for the joint task force explained that it oversees all guard members in D.C. for organizational purposes. However, being on the list “does not change their specific mission.” The task force did not immediately respond to NPR’s request for comment on why Michigan guard members were in Georgetown or if that was part of the America 250 operations.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that National Guard troops are used for their intended purpose, with governors and legal experts closely monitoring the situation.
