On Saturday, former President Donald Trump suggested that the recent drop in crime rates in Memphis, Tennessee, can be attributed to the FBI and other federal officials addressing what he described as “absolutely terrible crime numbers” over the past five months.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump noted that he had employed similar strategies in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. “But very little has begun any real work by us,” he stated. He added, “It happens after we make the official announcement that we’re coming. Then, the ‘miracle’ of crime reduction begins, as we saw in Washington, DC, which is now quite safe. I can save them!!!”
Trump’s remarks came in light of his comments on Friday regarding Memphis, pointing to the possibility of deploying the National Guard to combat the city’s rampant crime. Memphis has been reported to have the highest violent crime rate and the third-highest murder rate in the U.S. for 2024, with about 150 murders already noted this year.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, indicating a commitment to work closely with local officials to enhance safety and address crime issues in Memphis. Meanwhile, Senator Marsha Blackburn also backed Trump’s plan, referencing his previous success in reducing violent crime in the capital.
However, Memphis Mayor Paul Young acknowledged the need for federal support, while other officials, like Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, voiced concern over the potential adverse effects of federal intervention. Harris described the situation as “disappointing” and warned that the federal presence could lead to confusion and fear in local communities.
As the discussions unfold, it’s still unclear when exactly the National Guard might be deployed to Memphis, raising questions about the long-term implications of such actions on local reputation and community dynamics.
