Trump says he's deploying National Guard to Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) – President Donald Trump said Friday that the National Guard is coming to Memphis to address crime concerns.
Trump made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” claiming he has the support of both the mayor of Memphis and the Tennessee governor.
He said the city is “deeply troubled” and “we’re going to fix that just like we did Washington,” where he’s sent National Guard and surged federal law enforcement.
Trump’s announcement comes one day after Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, released a statement confirming he was informed this week that Republican Gov. Bill Lee and President Trump were considering the option, along with other resources.
“Earlier this week, I was informed that the Governor and the President were considering deploying the National Guard and other resources to Memphis,” Young said. “I am committed to working to ensure any efforts strengthen our community and build on our progress. We agree with Governor Lee that effective support for Memphis comes through focused initiatives that deliver results like we have seen with the FBI, state troopers, and other law enforcement partnerships. What we need most are financial resources for intervention and prevention, additional patrol officers, and case support to strengthen MPD’s 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.”
Lee said Wednesday that he’s sending 50 more Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers to support the Memphis Police Department. Lee said a task force that includes the FBI is targeting the worst offenders.
“For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources,” Lee said. “While the FBI and THP operations continue, we are actively discussing the next phase of our strategy to accelerate the positive momentum that’s already underway, and nothing is off the table.”
Since sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, Trump has openly mused about sending troops to some of the nation’s most Democratic cities — including Chicago and Baltimore — claiming they are needed to crack down on crime.
Speaking on “Fox and Friends” on Friday, Trump said he “would have preferred going to Chicago,” where local politicians have fiercely resisted his plans, but he suggested it was a “hostile” place with “professional agitators.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
