President Trump to Deploy National Guard in Memphis to Combat Crime

President Donald Trump announced on September 12, 2025, plans to deploy National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, as part of a federal initiative to combat crime in the city. This decision follows similar deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, marking Memphis as the third Democratic-led city to receive such intervention.

During a Fox News interview, President Trump described Memphis as a "deeply troubled" city and indicated that the deployment would be part of a broader federal intervention strategy. He stated, "We're going to fix that, just like we did Washington." The specifics regarding the number of troops, their roles, and the timeline for deployment have not been publicly detailed. However, the initiative is expected to involve coordination with federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ICE, and the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed support for the deployment, stating that the National Guard would collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the state. He emphasized the importance of leveraging both federal and state resources to combat crime in Memphis.

In contrast, Memphis Mayor Paul Young disputed President Trump's assertion that he was "happy" about the deployment. Mayor Young clarified that he did not request the National Guard and expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing crime. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of crime through community-based solutions.

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from Memphis residents. Some local businesses, like Mortimer's Restaurant, are welcoming the troops by offering free meals, expressing hope that the initiative will curb rising crime. Others, including community leaders and students, are cautious or opposed, viewing the move as a superficial solution to deeper social issues. Britney Thornton, a local commissioner, highlighted the disconnect between national decision-makers and community needs, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues like education, food insecurity, and lenient gun laws.

Despite the federal government's rationale for the deployment, local police data indicates that overall crime in Memphis has declined in 2025. The Memphis Police Department reported that overall crime is at a 25-year low, with robbery, burglary, and larceny also reaching 25-year lows. However, the city has faced persistent challenges with gun violence, recording over 390 homicides in 2023, the highest in its history.

The deployment has sparked a partisan divide among local lawmakers, with Republicans generally supporting the move and Democrats expressing opposition. Critics have raised concerns about the potential militarization of civilian spaces and the implications for community trust and democratic governance. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris expressed apprehension, stating, "I'm scared. Don't send folks in military fatigues. Don't send folks with semiautomatic weapons to patrol our streets."

This development is part of a broader pattern of federal interventions in Democratic-led cities, raising questions about the balance between federal authority and local governance in addressing urban crime. President Trump has indicated that other cities, including Chicago and New Orleans, may be next for similar interventions.

The deployment of the National Guard to Memphis underscores the complexities of addressing urban crime through federal intervention. While some view it as a necessary measure to ensure public safety, others argue for the importance of community-based solutions that address the root causes of crime. The coming weeks will reveal the impact of this deployment on the city and its residents.