Residents of Memphis, Tennessee, are responding positively to President Donald Trump‘s decision to deploy the National Guard to the city as part of a strategy to combat rising crime rates. In a September 12 interview on “Fox & Friends,” Trump described Memphis as “deeply troubled” and announced plans to send approximately 150 National Guard troops to the area. Their arrival earlier in October has sparked mixed reactions among locals, but many express relief at the increased security presence.
Local business owner John Green, who manages a candy store on Main Street, expressed his support for the deployment. “I’m looking for all the help I can get, I wish there was more,” he said. Green noted that business has been challenging in 2023, stating, “people just don’t want to come here anymore.”
Memphis has been grappling with significant concerns over violent crime, which has the highest rate in the United States, with 2,501 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 people, according to data from the FBI reported by WSMV on September 5. Although the Memphis Police Department indicated on September 9 that overall crime had dropped to a 25-year low, residents remain anxious about safety.
Local Leaders Respond to Deployment
Psychologist George Campbell, a 64-year-old Memphis resident, shared his views with the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing the positive impact of the National Guard. “It’s safe. What happened? Control is what happened. It was out of control. This is necessary,” Campbell remarked, highlighting a sense of restored order in the community.
Despite the support from some citizens, the deployment has not been universally welcomed. Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated during an interview that while he did not favor the National Guard’s presence, he is determined to “make the best of this situation.” Young expressed, “They made a decision to bring the National Guard. It’s not what I would have wanted, but the decision was made, and so my goal at that point is to figure out how to make the best of this situation for Memphis.”
Community leaders are also weighing in on the matter. Gale Jones Carson, president of the Memphis Urban League, expressed her reservations regarding the deployment. “Do we need help with the crime in Memphis? Yes, we do. But do we need to be invaded?” Carson questioned, suggesting that the situation requires careful consideration of long-term solutions.
Political Context and Future Plans
The deployment aligns with Trump’s broader initiative to tackle crime, as announced in a presidential memorandum on September 15. The memorandum establishes a task force aimed at eliminating “street and violent crime in Memphis.” Trump emphasized the importance of safety in Memphis, a city known for its cultural heritage as “the birthplace of rock and roll and the blues,” and recognized the significance of its landmarks such as Graceland and Beale Street.
Support from political figures has also emerged. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican senator from Tennessee, praised the deployment in a post on X, stating, “Thanks to President @realDonaldTrump, AG @PamBondi, and FBI Director @Kash_Patel, Memphis is being made SAFE again.” Blackburn expressed optimism that Memphis could serve as a model for combating crime nationwide.
As Memphis continues to navigate the complexities of crime and safety, the presence of the National Guard represents a significant response to the ongoing challenges faced by the community. While some residents feel a renewed sense of security, others call for a more comprehensive approach to ensure lasting safety in the city. The ongoing situation will likely remain a focal point of discussion as local leaders and residents seek effective solutions to their concerns.
