Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis in Crime Crackdown

Memphis, TN (September 15, 2025) - President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Monday authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops and the formation of a federal “Memphis Safe Task Force” to combat rising violent crime in Memphis.

In response to Memphis’s persistently high crime rates, the White House’s new task force will coordinate federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to “end street and violent crime” and restore public order. The announcement reflects the administration’s broader strategy of using federal resources to support cities perceived as struggling with crime.

Task Force Mandate and Composition

  • The Memphis Safe Task Force will include officials from the FBI, DEA, ICE, U.S. Marshals Service and other federal agencies, working alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Memphis Police Department.
  • The memorandum empowers the Secretary of War to request National Guard support from Tennessee and neighboring states to augment local law enforcement operations.

Local Reaction and Context

Memphis Mayor Paul Young publicly rejected the plan, stating he did not request the National Guard and warning against a military-style approach to crime reduction. As mayor, Young emphasized that the city will seek input on how the Guard interacts with the community if deployed.

Despite the city’s overall crime rate reaching a 25-year low and murders hitting a six-year low in early 2025, Memphis still ranked highest nationwide for violent crime in 2024, with murder, robbery and assault rates far exceeding national averages.

Next Steps and Implications

President Trump described Memphis as “deeply troubled” and vowed to “fix that just like we did in Washington,” hinting at similar interventions in other cities if deemed necessary. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomed the federal involvement, framing it as essential to support local efforts and accelerate crime prevention initiatives.

The task force is expected to convene this week to establish operational priorities, with formal troop movements and inter-agency coordination planned to begin in the coming days. Continuous monitoring of crime statistics and community impact will shape the duration and scope of the Guard’s presence in Memphis.