Trump Sends National Guard to Memphis Despite Mayor's Objections: Is This a Political Stunt?

2025-09-13 12:00:52.199

President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, to address crime concerns. While Tennessee's governor supports the deployment, Memphis's Democratic mayor, Paul Young, stated he did not request it and believes it's not the best approach to reducing crime. The deployment comes despite recent data showing decreases in major crime categories in Memphis, reaching a 25-year low overall and a six-year low for murders. However, the city has experienced persistent gun violence and high-profile killings in recent years. The decision has drawn criticism from some officials who argue it undermines local authority and may inflame tensions. Legal questions have also been raised regarding the legality and justification for deploying the National Guard for domestic law enforcement purposes. The White House has not clarified the legal basis for the deployment or whether federal law enforcement will be increased alongside the National Guard. The deployment follows similar actions in other cities, sparking debate over the use of military forces for domestic crime control.