In a recent move, President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, aiming to tackle the city’s pressing crime issues. During a interview on Fox News, Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing crime rates in Memphis, with the backing of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Memphis currently holds the unenviable title of having the highest violent crime rate in the United States, with a total crime rate reportedly 344 percent higher than the national average. Furthermore, its murder rate is notably alarming, being four times that of Mexico City. This intensifies the pressure on local and federal authorities to act swiftly.
Governor Lee confirmed his support for Trump’s initiative, viewing it as part of a broader strategy to tackle crime in Memphis. As part of this, he highlighted continuous collaboration with the Trump Administration and the effectiveness of Operation Viper, a joint effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This operation has already made significant strides by arresting numerous violent offenders. Additionally, Lee has authorized a surge of the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Shelby County to bolster efforts in crime reduction.
The Trump administration’s decision ties into a broader narrative of combating crime in urban areas. Last month, Trump extended efforts in Washington, DC, by declaring a crime emergency and placing the city’s police department under federal oversight. The subsequent deployment of over 2,200 National Guard troops in DC to support local police was declared a success by the administration. According to CNN, DC’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, and the residents have offered mixed reactions to this intervention, while the city has seen a noticeable decline in crime rates over the past year.
Data from both DC and Memphis police departments show downward trends in crime figures. DC experienced a 30-year low in violent crime in 2024, and Memphis has recorded a 25-year low in overall crime for the first eight months of 2025, indicating that these strategies may be yielding positive results.
Looking ahead, Governor Lee confirmed plans to include a comprehensive mission with multiple agencies such as the FBI, Tennessee National Guard, and Memphis Police Department. As these entities work collectively with federal oversight, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of Memphis residents.