President Trump revealed during an interview on “Fox and Friends” that he plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, calling the city “deeply troubled.” The announcement came after earlier speculation that Chicago might be the target of federal intervention.
“We’re going to Memphis,” Trump stated, adding that the city’s issues would be addressed similarly to how Washington was handled. He acknowledged initial preferences for Chicago but cited a conversation with an unnamed individual linked to Union Pacific railroad, who reportedly advised sending troops to Memphis due to safety concerns. The president described the city as so unsafe that even walking a single block required armored vehicles.
Trump also suggested federal military involvement if necessary, echoing his broader strategy of addressing crime in urban areas. Local figures praised the decision, with one individual describing Memphis as “the most dangerous city in America” and expressing gratitude for the intervention.
Memphis, home to 611,000 residents, has consistently ranked among cities with high violent crime rates, according to FBI data. The U.S. Justice Department previously deployed federal agents to combat violence there during Trump’s first term. Meanwhile, the president has also considered sending federal personnel to New Orleans, another city with Democratic leanings.
Trump has recently taken steps to increase federal oversight of law enforcement in Washington, including placing its police department under direct federal control and deploying agents to patrol streets.
