Tennessee Governor Applauds Federal Crime Initiative in Memphis

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appeared on Fox & Friends recently, expressing his support for the Trump administration’s efforts to tackle crime in Memphis.

The Justice Department reported that federal agents have made significant progress, with nearly 100 hours of arrests conducted in Memphis over the past three days. This is part of a broader strategy to address crime in various U.S. cities.

During the segment, host Steve Doocy described the federal crackdown as a “generational opportunity” for Memphis.

Mixed Reactions from Memphis Residents

Governor Lee acknowledged that while Memphis is a “world-class city,” it faces serious crime challenges. He expressed gratitude to President Trump for his support. “Thanks to President Trump and his vision for safe cities in America, Memphis could become one of the safest cities in the country,” Lee told Doocy. “We are fortunate to have federal resources supporting our efforts to enhance safety.”

The governor indicated that his office had been collaborating with federal agencies, including the FBI, in preparation for “Operation Viper” in Memphis. He mentioned, “It’s exciting to envision a city that’s been restrained by crime for so long now moving toward safety. There’s a real opportunity for Memphians to live without fear.”

Trump’s Commitment to Combat Crime

In mid-September, Trump signed a memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Because of the crime that is occurring not just in Memphis, but in many cities, we’ll handle these matters in stages, similar to what we did in Washington.”

Before the launch of “Operation Viper,” Trump had hinted that Memphis was “in trouble” and expressed intentions to make adjustments similar to those made in D.C. The effort included mobilizing 800 National Guard troops, along with support from neighboring states, as part of the administration’s strategy to reduce crime.