Trump Announces National Guard Deployment to Memphis Amid Crime Surge

Mon Dec 08 2025 03:36:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump's recent announcement of deploying the National Guard to Memphis has sparked mixed reactions from city officials, including Mayor Paul Young, who expressed concerns about its effectiveness in combating crime despite ongoing violent challenges.

In a surprising move, Memphis Mayor Paul Young revealed that he only learned about President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to the city through a Friday announcement on Fox News. While crime statistics show a recent decline, including a 25-year low in overall crime and a significant decrease in murders, concerns remain about persistent gun violence. Mayor Young cautioned against the deployment, emphasizing the community's fears and potential historical parallels. Discussions continue on the specifics of the National Guard's role in addressing Memphis's crime issues amidst local and federal law enforcement collaborations.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis’ mayor disclosed that President Donald Trump’s televised announcement on Friday represented the first official confirmation regarding the deployment of the National Guard to Memphis for an anti-crime mission.

During an interview with CNN, Mayor Paul Young stated he had been made aware earlier in the week by Republican Governor Bill Lee’s office that discussions were underway about bolstering law enforcement presence. However, it was only on Friday that Young received clear confirmation when Trump acknowledged Memphis's issues on Fox News, describing the city as 'deeply troubled' and asserting, 'we’re going to fix that just like we did in Washington.'

When asked if he had received any prior confirmation, Young clarified, 'No, that was the confirmation.' This announcement comes in the wake of Memphis police reporting a decline in all major crime categories this year, achieving a 25-year low in overall crime and a six-year low in homicides.

Despite the encouraging statistics, Memphis has long struggled with persistent gun violence, with a record 390 homicides recorded in 2023.

Details surrounding the National Guard's deployment remain uncertain, with conversations still transpiring between Governor Lee and Trump regarding its specifics and timeline. Young hopes to learn more soon, suggesting the Guard could assist with event security, traffic control, and community beautification efforts.

However, Mayor Young expressed his reservations regarding the deployment, countering Trump’s claim that he is 'happy' about it. Stressing that he didn’t request this action, Young cast doubt on its potential to effectively reduce crime. 'We don’t want to invoke those same images here,' he remarked, alluding to historical deployments following significant incidents.

The mayor stressed the importance of community engagement in determining how the National Guard operates in Memphis, voicing concerns for local fears stemming from such deployments.

As discussions continue, Young and city officials plan to work closely with state and federal representatives to ensure that actions taken address the root causes of crime rather than simply act as a temporary measure.