Trump Sends National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Mon Sep 15 2025 12:42:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to combat rising crime in Memphis, Tennessee, despite local pushback. The decision has generated a divide among state leaders regarding military involvement in law enforcement.

In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump revealed that he would be sending the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, to address local crime issues. While Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee supports the initiative, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has voiced his opposition, suggesting that crime reduction strategies should focus on community development rather than military presence. The deployment aligns with Trump's pattern of utilizing military resources in urban areas, raising debates on the legality and effectiveness of such actions amidst decreasing crime rates in the region.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would send the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, in a controversial move aimed at addressing crime concerns within the city. During an interview on Fox News, Trump claimed, 'the mayor is happy' and expressed intentions to 'fix' the city, which he described as 'deeply troubled.'

This initiative marks another moment of Trump testing the boundaries of presidential power by involving military forces in domestic law enforcement. In a state divided along partisan lines, Memphis's Democrat Mayor Paul Young has publicly opposed the deployment, stating at a news conference, 'I did not ask for the National Guard and I don’t think it’s the way to drive down crime.'

Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee confirmed the planned deployment, indicating he was in communication with the President to outline the mission's details. 'I’m grateful for the President’s unwavering support,' Lee added, reinforcing his commitment to providing resources for Memphians.

Despite claims of rising crime, recent reports show overall crime rates in Memphis have decreased, with statistically significant declines in major crime categories. However, the city continues to grapple with persistent gun violence and high-profile criminal incidents.

There are opposing views among local officials, with some suggesting that federal law enforcement, rather than military troops, should address crime issues more effectively. Critics argue that military deployment often lacks a lasting impact and could undermine community trust in law enforcement.

Trump's approach toward deploying the National Guard in Memphis comes amid ongoing discussions about his broader strategy in other Democratic-led cities, reinforcing a narrative of federal intervention in urban areas dealing with crime.