NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis’ mayor said Saturday that President Donald Trump’s television announcement the day before marked his first concrete confirmation regarding the deployment of the National Guard to assist in combating crime in the city.
During an interview with CNN, Mayor Paul Young noted that he became aware of the proposal when Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee's office contacted him earlier in the week. Continuous discussions took place leading up to Trump's announcement, with Young exploring potential support from various federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the DEA.
Trump stated on Fox News that Memphis faces significant issues, asserting, “we’re going to fix that just like we did Washington,” referring to earlier National Guard deployments and increased federal law enforcement in other cities.
Told by CNN that Trump's announcement was the first explicit confirmation he'd received, Young replied, “No, that was the confirmation.”
Despite the National Guard's involvement, recent statistics reported by Memphis police revealed a significant decline in major crime categories over the initial eight months of 2025 compared to previous years. In fact, overall crime figures hit a 25-year low, with murders at a six-year low.
Challenges surrounding persistent gun violence remain prevalent. Memphis recorded a staggering 390 homicides in 2023.
The city is also grappling with repercussions from the January 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, who was tragically beaten by Memphis police. A Department of Justice investigation led to the discovery of numerous civil rights violations within the police department.
Layoffs of police findings occurred recently following the shift of the federal administration, raising concerns within the community.
Details of the National Guard's Role Still Unclear
Specifics concerning the number of troops expected, their roles, and timing are yet to be finalized, with Governor Lee set to discuss further details with Trump. Young mentioned the need for support at community events, monitoring security cameras, and addressing beautification projects if the National Guard were deployed.
Mayor’s Concerns Regarding Deployment
Young expressed that he did not request the National Guard's deployment, indicating doubt over its potential effectiveness in crime reduction. He emphasized a desire for local input on the involvement of the National Guard, voicing concerns of repercussive memories stemming from historic deployments in Memphis.
The National Guard has played significant roles in various situations across the country, providing assistance during emergencies and on-ground support during protests.
The mayor remains committed to ensuring that the National Guard’s presence is constructive and solicits community engagement, with hopes for collaborative crime-reduction strategies moving forward.
