President Donald Trump has announced that the National Guard will be sent to Memphis, Tennessee, a city struggling with high crime rates. During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Trump stated, “We’re going to Memphis. I’m just announcing that now. National Guard and anybody else we need, and by the way, we’re bringing the military too if we need it.”
This announcement comes as Memphis has been identified as the most violent city in the United States, according to recent FBI data. In 2024, the city recorded 2,501 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, significantly higher than other cities like Oakland and Detroit.
Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard is supported by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who has been actively involved in discussions with the Trump administration to tackle crime in Memphis. Governor Lee stated that they are developing a strategic plan that includes Operation Viper, an FBI initiative targeting violent offenders. He also mentioned that he has increased the presence of the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Memphis to assist local law enforcement.
In addition to Memphis, Trump has indicated that other cities, including Chicago and Baltimore, may also receive federal intervention to combat rising crime. He has criticized Democratic leadership in cities plagued by violence and has called for changes to policies like cashless bail, which he claims contribute to crime.
While Trump’s actions have received support from some, they have also drawn criticism. Democrats have accused him of overstepping his authority and using the National Guard as a power grab. A federal judge recently ruled that Trump acted unlawfully when he deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles during protests.
As Memphis prepares for the National Guard’s arrival, the focus will be on addressing the urgent issue of crime and ensuring the safety of its residents.
