President Donald Trump announced Friday he will send National Guard troops to Memphis, calling the city “deeply troubled” despite official data showing crime has dropped significantly this year. Speaking on Fox & Friends, he compared the plan to his controversial deployment of troops in Washington, D.C.
Federal Force on the Table
Trump said the Memphis crackdown could involve “the military, too” if necessary, in addition to the Guard and federal agents. He claimed Tennessee’s Republican governor and Democratic mayor both support the move, though their offices did not respond to requests for comment.
Crime Numbers Tell a Different Story
According to Memphis city data, crime reports are down 44% in 2025 compared to the same period last year. Homicides have fallen nearly 30%, with 182 recorded so far compared to 261 at this point in 2024.
Political Overtones
Critics note Trump has largely targeted cities with Democratic mayors when floating federal crackdowns. In Washington, D.C., where Guard troops remain on extended orders, the local attorney general has sued to end what he called a “military occupation.”
Expanding Threats
Trump has also repeated threats to send troops into Chicago, sparking pushback from Illinois leaders.
“I want to help people, not hurt them,” Gov. JB Pritzker wrote, accusing Trump of treating cities like battlegrounds. Still, Trump insisted, “I can fix Chicago … we’ll do what we have to do.”
For more on Trump’s continued use of the National Guard amid legal challenges, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.