NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump’s announcement the previous day marked his first concrete confirmation regarding the deployment of the National Guard aimed at combating crime in the city.
During an interview on CNN, Mayor Young revealed he was made aware that the possibility of deploying the National Guard was under discussion by Republican Governor Bill Lee’s office earlier in the week. The mayor reported ongoing conversations throughout the week regarding bolstering law enforcement presence with various federal agencies.
Trump announced the decision to send the National Guard to Memphis during a segment on Fox News, describing the city as 'deeply troubled' and committing to address its issues much like he had in Washington, D.C.
When asked if he had prior confirmation before Trump's announcement, Young replied, 'No, that was the confirmation.'
Despite recent reports from Memphis police showing a decline in all major crime categories during the first eight months of 2025, the city experienced a record 390 homicides in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges with gun violence.
The specifics on how many troops would be deployed and their specific roles remain unclear, although Young suggested they could assist in event support, traffic monitoring, and local beautification via neighborhood programs.
The mayor also expressed concerns about community acceptance of the National Guard's role, affirming that he did not request their deployment and has doubts about its effectiveness in reducing crime, while recognizing the city's challenges.
Comparing Memphis's current situation to historical contexts, Young noted the city's previous experiences with National Guard deployments, particularly following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the importance of a careful approach to this intervention.
The move follows previous engagements by the National Guard in stateside operations, including during protests and public safety efforts related to various crises, as seen in the recent activities in Washington, D.C.
