Trump to Deploy National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:21:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Donald Trump announces plans to send the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, facing pushback from local officials despite a reported decrease in crime rates.

President Trump has declared his intention to send the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, to tackle crime, which he asserts is alarming despite recent reports of a decline in overall crime rates. While the Republican governor supports the move, Memphis's Democratic mayor disagrees with the necessity of military intervention, advocating for alternative crime prevention strategies. The announcement highlights the ongoing debate regarding the use of military forces in American cities, especially those governed by Democrats.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a significant development, President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, in response to rising crime concerns. Speaking in an interview, Trump affirmed that both the governor and mayor of the city are in support of his decision, although this claim was challenged by local officials.

Trump labeled Memphis as deeply troubled and suggested that the National Guard would address its issues similarly to operations in other cities, such as Washington, D.C., where he previously deployed federal law enforcement.

Governor Bill Lee endorsed Trump's initiative and mentioned plans to discuss operational details with the President. Lee stated, I’m grateful for the President’s unwavering support and commitment to providing every resource necessary to serve Memphians. Meanwhile, Memphis's Democratic Mayor Paul Young rejected Trump’s claim of local consent, stating, I did not ask for the National Guard and I don’t think it’s the way to drive down crime.

Trump's announcement comes as Memphis has reported declines in all major crime categories over the past months, with overall crime hitting a 25-year low. In recent years, the city exceeded 390 homicides, leading local leaders to push for better crime prevention measures without the need for military involvement.

Local officials appear divided on the deployment; while some Republicans see the National Guard as a necessary support system, others like Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy advocate for increased federal law enforcement personnel over military deployment.

Critics, including ACLU representatives, argue that utilizing military forces for domestic policing raises serious legal concerns, questioning both the necessity and constitutional implications of deploying troops in civilian roles. Amid this controversy, the broader political climate remains tense, with further discussions expected about law enforcement strategies and civil rights protections in the context of military operations within U.S. cities.