Memphis, Tennessee, is set to become the latest U.S. city to see a deployment of National Guard troops after former President Donald Trump announced his decision during a live interview on Fox & Friends.
The move marks a sharp escalation in Trump’s ongoing strategy of sending military support to cities with high crime rates, particularly those led by Democratic mayors.
Trump told the hosts on Friday that both the city’s Democratic mayor and Tennessee’s Republican governor were supportive of the deployment. “We’re going to Memphis,” Trump said. “Memphis is deeply troubled.” He added that he would have preferred to send troops to Chicago but settled on Memphis after discussions with local and state officials.
The announcement comes roughly a month after Trump dispatched the National Guard to Washington, D.C., where his administration declared “virtually crime free” conditions after 30 days of federal control. Hundreds of arrests were reported during that time, and troops continue to operate in the capital, assisting not only with patrols but also municipal work like trash collection and mulching.
Memphis crime rates among highest in U.S.
FBI data shows Memphis has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The city has long struggled with violent crime, and Trump suggested Memphis was “a logical next step” in his broader crackdown. He also named New Orleans, Baltimore, and Chicago as other cities he would like to target in the future.
Trump’s approach has been closely tied to his “Operation Midway Blitz,” an initiative aimed at toughening immigration enforcement while also increasing federal oversight of local policing in high-crime areas. Critics, however, have questioned whether the use of the National Guard against civilians is legal or constitutional.
Mayor responds with caution
Memphis Mayor Paul Young struck a cautious tone during a press conference Friday afternoon. While clarifying that he did not request the National Guard, Young emphasized the importance of handling the deployment strategically.
“I want to be clear I didn’t ask for the National Guard and I don’t think it’s the way to drive down crime, however that decision has been made,” Young said. “My goal is to make sure the deployment happens in a way that truly benefits and strengthens our community.”
Earlier in the week, Young acknowledged he had been in talks with the Trump administration about bolstering federal support for the city’s police department. However, his requests centered around financial assistance for prevention programs, more patrol officers, and case support to help local investigations.
“Memphis is already making measurable progress in bringing down crime, and we support initiatives that help accelerate the pace of the work our officers, community partners, and residents are doing every day,” Young added.
Legal and political implications
The decision to send troops into Memphis highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s use of the National Guard in domestic policing. Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that his deployment of troops to Los Angeles was unlawful. The ruling, however, applied only to that case and does not directly affect other cities.
Still, legal experts remain divided on whether Trump’s actions violate constitutional limits on military involvement in civilian affairs. Civil rights advocates warn that using soldiers to patrol city streets could inflame tensions rather than reduce crime.
Despite these concerns, Trump defended his approach by pointing to Washington, D.C., where he took temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department in August. His administration maintains that the capital is now safer and that similar interventions could help struggling cities like Memphis.
What’s next for Memphis
Trump did not provide a timeline for when troops would arrive in Memphis or how many would be deployed. He framed the decision as part of a broader mission to restore law and order in cities he considers crime hotspots.
As the city braces for the arrival of troops, local officials and community leaders remain focused on ensuring that the deployment does not disrupt ongoing progress. The coming weeks will determine whether the move provides the support Memphis needs or deepens concerns about federal overreach.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
