Trump’s Focus Shifts to Memphis for Anti-Crime Initiative

President Donald Trump recently announced on Fox & Friends that Memphis will be the next target of a nationwide anti-crime initiative. Senator Bill Hagerty, speaking to Fox News Digital, expressed that he has been engaged in addressing the city’s issues for quite some time.

Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, mentioned his long-standing interest in public safety within Memphis. He has partnered with Democrats in West Tennessee to address the rising crime rates, even as local concerns grow. It seems there’s quite the urgency, especially for those just steps away from their favorite local spots.

In his support for Mayor Paul Young and local Democrats, Hagerty noted the rare bipartisan backing for this announcement in a city that typically leans blue within a red state. “It’s my heartfelt wish to see Memphis turn into one of the safest cities. It has so much potential,” he shared.

National Guard Deployment for Memphis

Trump confirmed that the National Guard will be dispatched to Memphis as part of the anti-crime efforts. Young and Cohen, along with senators Blackburn and Lee, have backed Operation Viper, a joint federal and state law enforcement initiative that has been active since July.

Reports indicate that crime figures in the area have surged, with tallies reaching around 200 incidents by August. Hagerty mentioned that the FBI and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have bolstered their presence in Memphis recently, underscoring their capability to tackle serious offenders. The FBI director previously labeled Memphis as the “murder capital of America.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Young, Cohen, and the FBI for further insights. Young expressed his agreement with the notion that effective crime control would necessitate collaboration with state and federal law enforcement.

Mixed Reactions to Federal Intervention

During his TV appearance, Trump reiterated Hagerty’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with local governments to address crime effectively. He is reportedly satisfied with the initial results and is prepared to allocate more resources to take control of the situation.

While Hagerty suggested that Cohen and Young are generally supportive, he acknowledged there might be some “knee-jerk resistance” to federal assistance, given the complex political dynamics in the area. On the flip side, Lee Harris, the Democratic mayor of Shelby County, criticized Trump’s actions, calling them “disappointing” and suggesting they violate democratic norms.

Harris further stated that federal deployments might sow confusion and fear in communities, especially among vulnerable populations. He expressed concerns that Trump’s approach could infringe upon personal freedoms, warning that his administration would do all it can to prevent federal guards from intervening.

Hagerty highlighted that Young’s Democratic leadership focuses on crime reduction, while also affirming that Blackburn intends to send additional state troopers to aid in federal initiatives. As discussions progress, Hagerty noted, there’s no time to lose in moving forward with strategies for improvement.

As for Trump, he has also set his sights on Chicago regarding immigration and crime. When asked about whether the federal intervention relates solely to crime or includes immigration issues, Hagerty emphasized that his ongoing discussions with the White House prioritize crime issues.

During his Fox appearance, Trump mentioned having chosen Memphis, pointing to challenges posed by “professional agitators” from Chicago and a generally unwelcoming local atmosphere.