NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On Saturday, the Mayor of Memphis announced that he learned from President Donald Trump’s TV broadcast that the National Guard would be deployed to the city for an anti-crime initiative, marking the first confirmed detail of this plan.
Mayor Paul Young shared that he had heard about the possibility earlier in the week from the office of Republican Governor Bill Lee. The Democratic mayor noted that discussions were ongoing about increasing law enforcement presence through various agencies, including the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Friday, Trump made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News, stating that Memphis is facing significant issues and asserting his intention to address them effectively.
When asked if there was prior confirmation of the National Guard’s deployment before Trump’s announcement, Young responded, “No, that was a confirmation.”
Recently, Memphis police observed a drop in major crime rates during the first eight months of 2025 compared to previous years, with overall crime reaching a 25-year low, although the city experienced its highest murder rate in six years.
Despite this progress, Memphis continues to grapple with persistent gun violence, having recorded 390 murders in 2023 alone.
The city is also facing challenges related to the death of Tire Nichols in January 2023, which followed a violent confrontation with police. An investigation later revealed serious civil rights violations within the police department, including excessive force and racially disproportionate practices. Those findings were retracted earlier this year under the Trump administration.
Details still evolving
The governor indicated that the specifics regarding how the National Guard will assist in addressing crime are still being worked out. Governor Lee and Trump plan to discuss the details further next week. They hope this development will enhance ongoing FBI efforts, which have already led to the apprehension of numerous violent offenders.
Mayor Young mentioned that it remains uncertain how many troops will be deployed or their exact roles, but he anticipates gaining further clarity in the coming days.
When asked about the National Guard’s focus, Young suggested they could assist during events, help with traffic management, and enhance camera surveillance to support law enforcement.
Mayor’s mixed feelings
Young countered Trump’s assertion that he was “happy” about the deployment, expressing his reservations. He’s not convinced it will significantly reduce crime but recognizes that Memphis faces challenges and hopes the National Guard will engage positively with the community.
He reflected on Memphis’s troubled history, recalling the National Guard’s deployment following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968. “I don’t want to recreate that image,” he stated.
The role of the National Guard
The National Guard has played various roles in American history, from assisting with school desegregation to supporting disaster relief efforts. They’ve also provided help during protests and crises, including operations related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In some instances, the National Guard has been deployed for initiatives under former President Trump, such as efforts along the southern border, and now it’s poised to assist with crime-related duties in cities like Memphis.
Plans for Louisiana
A draft proposal is in place to bolster the state’s National Guard forces, particularly as they pertain to deployment in urban areas, like New Orleans. If Louisiana’s GOP Governor Jeff Landry seeks federal assistance, it appears the Guard would be mobilized.
Democrat Rep. Troy Carter, representing New Orleans, argued that the city’s crime rates are at their lowest in years, suggesting there’s no justification for increasing military presence on the streets.
Alexandria Mayor Jack Roy expressed that more resources could indeed make a positive difference, especially considering the proximity of Camp Beauregard, a National Guard installation.
Following Trump’s remarks about addressing Louisiana’s crime issues, the Associated Press reached out for further commentary from Landry’s office. Louisiana’s Attorney General Liz Maril endorsed Trump’s proposal for military deployment.
The situation in Washington
In Washington, Trump’s emergency order for security forces has lapsed, but approximately 2,000 National Guard troops remain deployed from seven states and local units still active in various locations.
This heavy military presence is evident in tourist-heavy areas like Union Station. Because Washington is a federal city, the security forces operate under the president’s command, contrasting with the situation in Memphis, where state authorities would control deployments.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has emphasized the importance of coordination between city police and federal agencies, while notably not including immigration services in the conversation.
On Friday, local and federal law enforcement collaborated at community events, reflecting an ongoing relationship between various agencies.
