President Donald Trump announced a new directive Wednesday to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, following requests from state officials. The move comes as part of broader efforts to address escalating crime rates in urban areas across the country.
At a public event, Trump emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Memphis faces “really bad” criminal activity requiring immediate action. He highlighted plans to establish a “Memphis Safe Task Force,” modeled after successful operations in Washington, D.C., where crime has reportedly dropped significantly under federal intervention.
“The task force will be a replica of our extraordinarily successful efforts here,” Trump said, referencing the capital’s improved safety record. He also mentioned previous federal assistance in Chicago, where crime rates were “brought down a little bit” but now face more aggressive measures.
The president underscored that the initiative would involve collaboration with local leaders, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who had formally requested the aid. Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing urban violence through federal resources, signaling potential future operations in other cities.