LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Democratic Party today blasted President Donald Trump for refusing to fully fund the Michigan National Guard while providing 100% funding for National Guard troops in red states amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan received full federal funding for the National Guard from March 30 to Aug. 21, then Trump cut full funding for Michigan moving forward. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly urged the president to fully restore funding for the Michigan National Guard during this critical time.
“President Trump’s refusal to fully fund the Michigan National Guard during this crucial stage of the pandemic is yet another example of how his partisan and juvenile tactics are putting the lives of all Michiganders at risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lavora Barnes, Michigan Democratic Party Chair. “As he’s done throughout the pandemic, Trump continues to put his own political ambitions ahead of the lives of Americans, and in this case is fully funding National Guard troops in states most likely to vote for him in November. It’s time for the president to commit to 100% federal funding for the Michigan National Guard and put the lives of Michigan’s men, women and children ahead of his failed political agenda that has resulted in more than 180,000 deaths nationwide. I also call on Michigan House Republicans to demand the president fully fund the Michigan National Guard to protect the health and safety of their constituents and all Michiganders.”
The president continues to fully fund the National Guard in key red states including Arizona, Texas and Florida. The Michigan National Guard plays a critical public safety role in the COVID-19 pandemic, including running testing sites and delivering personal protective equipment.
