In a recent Fox News interview, President Donald Trump declared his decision to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, aiming to address the city's escalating crime rates. This move, supported by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, is seen as a significant step in combating what the Trump administration describes as "rampant violent crime" in the area.

Statistics released by the White House from 2024 underscore the urgency of the situation, presenting Memphis as having the highest violent crime rate in the nation, and a murder rate quadruple that of Mexico City. The total crime rate in Memphis is reported to be 344 percent above the national average, painting a grim picture of local safety and security.

Governor Lee has publicly backed the President’s strategy, highlighting ongoing collaboration with federal authorities. "For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration,” Lee stated, referencing the existing FBI mission dubbed Operation Viper, which has already led to numerous arrests of violent offenders in Memphis. Additionally, Lee mentioned an increase in Tennessee Highway Patrol presence in Shelby County to further support local law enforcement efforts.

This initiative is part of a broader federal crackdown on crime in major US cities, initiated by Trump last month with an executive order that put Washington, DC’s police under federal control. Since then, the National Guard has been active in DC, with Trump extending their stay amidst both support and controversy, including ongoing legal challenges from DC’s local government.

Despite these contentious moves, data suggests a decrease in crime rates. DC police report a historic 30-year low in violent crime in 2024, and Memphis police have also indicated a significant reduction in crime, reaching a 25-year low for the first eight months of 2025.

Looking ahead, Governor Lee outlined the next steps for Memphis, which include a comprehensive joint mission involving the Tennessee National Guard, the FBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and other agencies. "We are working closely with the Trump Administration to determine the most effective role for each of these agencies to best serve Memphians,” Lee explained.

As this multi-agency effort unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Memphis, awaiting the results of this bold federal intervention in city-level law enforcement.