Free DC

Ankrit Jain, Washington, D.C.’s shadow senator, urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer to recall Michigan National Guard troops stationed in D.C. for the America250 celebration, citing credible evidence they were deployed in Georgetown. Jain and a coalition of civil society groups, including Free DC, argue the troops’ presence contradicts Whitmer’s claims they were deployed solely for the anniversary event.

National Guard deployments to Washington, D.C., during the 250th anniversary of independence have expanded, with Democratic-led states contributing troops. A coalition of groups has criticized the deployment, arguing it supports President Donald Trump's open-ended use of forces. Michigan and Minnesota have sent contingents and joined a lawsuit challenging the ongoing deployment.

National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., during the 250th anniversary of independence have drawn criticism, with groups alleging misuse of forces by the Trump administration. Democratic-led states like Michigan and Minnesota contributed troops, but activists argue they are being used beyond security for the anniversary events. A coalition of organizations has called for Michigan's forces to be withdrawn, citing concerns over the open-ended deployment.