Trump Signs Decree to Deploy National Guard in Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Web Editor

September 15, 2025

a woman in a suit and tie standing next to a man in a suit and tie in front of a flag, Anna Maria Ba

Background on Key Figures and Relevance

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has recently taken action to address his concerns about crime in major U.S. cities governed by the Democratic Party. Memphis, Tennessee, a city with a majority African American population and a Democratic mayor, is the latest target of this initiative.

Memphis’s governor, JB Pritzker, is a Democrat, while the state’s Republican governor has supported Trump’s efforts. This dynamic highlights the political tension surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops in predominantly Democratic cities.

Details of the Decree and Agencies Involved

On Monday, Trump signed a decree to send members of the National Guard to Memphis as part of his ongoing campaign against crime and illegal immigration in cities governed by the opposition party.

Trump stated that this operation would mirror the one deployed in Washington, D.C., during August. The multi-agency effort will include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other federal agencies, according to Trump during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.

The President emphasized that this action is crucial due to the ongoing crime issues and hinted at potential future operations in Chicago, another city with a Democratic mayor.

Reactions and Previous Actions

Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed Trump’s concerns during the ceremony, stating that federal agencies would employ a “highly successful” model from Washington to ensure Memphis’s safety once again.

Trump has already initiated similar crackdowns on crime and illegal immigration in cities governed by Democrats, including Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. These efforts have involved troop deployments and immigration raids, sparking controversy and legal challenges.

Memphis’s Political Landscape

Memphis, located in Tennessee’s southern region, faces unique challenges due to its diverse population and political makeup. The city has a Democratic mayor, while the state governor is a Republican.

This political divide has intensified Trump’s efforts to demonstrate his commitment to addressing crime in Democratic-led cities, even if it means confronting local leaders like Memphis’s Democratic mayor and Illinois’s Democratic governor, JB Pritzker, on social media.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is involved in the operation? The operation involves members of the National Guard, FBI, DEA, ICE, and other federal agencies.
  • What cities have been targeted so far? Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and now Memphis have been targeted in Trump’s crime-focused initiative.
  • What is the political makeup of Memphis? Memphis has a Democratic mayor and a Republican state governor, creating political tension surrounding the troop deployment.
  • What is the stated goal of this operation? The stated goal is to combat crime and ensure safety in cities governed by the Democratic Party.