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President Donald Trump has set his sights on a new city to face his federal crackdown on crime.
On Friday (September 12), Trump announced that he plans to deploy the National Guard and other federal resources to Memphis, Tennessee in response to reports of high crime rates in the city, per The Hill.
“We’re going to Memphis. Memphis is deeply troubled,” Trump said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “The mayor is happy. He’s a Democrat mayor. The mayor is happy. And the governor, Tennessee, the governor is happy.”
Trump said that he would send in “the National Guard and anybody else we need,” adding that he would even consider deploying the military “if we need it.” According to 2024 FBI data, Memphis had the highest crime rate per 100,000 people in the country.
On Thursday (September 11), Memphis Mayor Paul Young (D) said he had been informed earlier this week about the possibility of a National Guard deployment.
“I am committed to working to ensure any efforts strengthen our community and build on our progress,” Young said in a statement.
Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), who represents part of Memphis, applauded Trump’s announcement.
“It is important for the long-term success in Memphis to have additional and permanent federal law enforcement officers and agents who can work in conjunction with state and local officials,” Kustoff said. “I will continue to work with the White House to secure these important resources.”
Trump noted that he had also considered sending federal forces into Chicago, but pushback from city and state officials made it unlikely due to potential legal challenges. The president's announcement also comes after he deployed the National Guard and increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C. last month.
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