Image Credit: TN National Guard / Facebook & The White House / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
During an appearance on national television show Fox & Friends, President Trump announced the National Guard will be deployed to Memphis as the city continues to face skyrocketing levels of violent crime.
“We’re going to Memphis,” the President declared. “Memphis is deeply troubled, and the mayor is happy, he’s a Democrat mayor, and the Governor of Tennessee [is happy]. Deeply troubled. We’re going to fix that just like we did Washington.”
Per the President, this decisive action is fueled by failed Democrat leadership and the recent data showing Memphis to be the most violent city in the nation.
Rapid Response 47, one of the President’s social media initiatives dedicated to relaying accurate news from the Trump administration, also pointed to a shooting last week at a Hickory Hill home that injured four children.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with Republicans and conservatives celebrating the bold step and Democrats predictably voicing objections.
Governor Lee, who initially stated he had no intentions to send the Guard to Memphis, took to social media with more details about “a multi-phased, strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources.”
He elaborated that the next step consists of a multiagency mission to include the Tennessee National Guard, FBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Memphis PD, and others, and continued communications with the Trump administration to determine the exact role of each agency.
“Our goal is to accelerate the positive momentum of Operation Viper- an ongoing FBI mission in Memphis with a dedicated task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement that has already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders,” Lee wrote. He also announced the authorization of a “THP surge” in Shelby county which follows the sending of 50 state troopers to the city last week.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally supports the decision, and Tennessee’s congressional delegation also appears to be largely in favor.
“This is HUGE. Law and order in Memphis will soon be restored!” posted Congressman Andy Ogles.
Congressman David Kustoff also expressed support, saying the presence of federal law enforcement officers and agents working in tandem with state and local officials is “important” to the city’s long-term success.
Gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and John Rose likewise encouraged the move, with Sen. Blackburn thanking the President for his tough-on-crime approach and Rep. Rose applauding state and local officials who are supporting the federal assistance.
One such state lawmaker is Sen. Brent Taylor who heartily approves the decision as part of his drive to tackle crime and “Make Memphis Matter”. “Public safety is the first responsibility of government. Unfortunately, Memphians and all of West Tennesseans alike are suffering from unacceptable crime-fatigue. I’m optimistic this deployment of National Guard personnel will make for a safer Memphis and Shelby County…The best way to Make Memphis Matter is to Make Memphis Safe!” he wrote.
Rep. John Gillespie, also of Memphis, is “encouraged” about the National Guard deployment. “The additional resources will bolster state & local law enforcement efforts to get control of crime.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated that while he did not request the Guard and does not think it is the way to “drive down” crime, “the decision has been made. As your Mayor, my commitment is to work strategically to ensure this happens in a way that truly benefits and strengthens our community.”
But Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris does not share that sentiment. He believes, “no one here is ‘happy’. We’re not happy you’re militarizing Tennessee communities. Not happy to see the obliteration of America’s most important norms. Not happy at all with occupation, armored vehicles, semi-automatic weapons, and military personnel in fatigues.”
Other state Democrat leaders expressed similar thoughts, calling the decision an “abuse of power” and “cheap political theater”.
Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari of Memphis believes the Guard presence is not needed as the only other times it was deployed to Memphis was following MLK’s assassination and to “enforce civil rights laws when segregationists refused to comply.” “That history matters- because what we are seeing now is not about justice, it’s about politics. This is an abuse of power, using troops to score political points off of crime statistics, even though overall crime in Memphis is down to a 25-year low. That’s not leadership- that’s overreach,” Akbari’s press release read.
Democrat Senator London Lamar also issued a statement claiming the Guard is “not a long-term solution for public safety. It’s a band-aid.” She maintains crime levels will return to their current rate when the troops lead “because Trump is choosing cheap political theater over the hard work of strengthening a community.” Also referring the disputed 25-year low crime statistics, Lamar insists, “Memphis is not a war zone- it’s a city making progress… We have more work to do, but our community is safer today because local leaders are working hard, not because of political stunts.”
Her proposed solution is more federal funding, and implementing stronger gun laws, safer housing, and healthcare.
The specifics of the deployment are yet to be released, but Governor Lee has said he remains in constant contact with the Trump administration to finalize the details of the mission.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
3 Responses
I suspect it will be like the National Guard occupation of DC. They WON’T be going into high-crime neighborhoods. They WON’T be intervening in gang warfare. Nope, that would be too scary. What they WILL be doing is maintaining a visible presence in high traffic areas, posing for photos with tourists, and maybe being put on trash detail.
Well……… If you looked into what the National Guard legally can and cannot do you would see what they can and cannot do…… Duh
When a President deploys the National Guard to a city to address crime, the operation’s legality and scope depend on the status of the Guard (federalized under Title 10 or state-controlled under Title 32) and whether exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA) of 1878 apply. The PCA generally prohibits federal military forces from participating in civilian law enforcement, such as arrests or searches, unless Congress expressly authorizes it. However, the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255) provides key exceptions, allowing deployment to suppress insurrections, enforce federal laws, or protect civil rights if state authorities cannot or will not act.
What the National Guard Can Legally Do…………
– Provide logistical support, such as transportation or equipment to local police.
– Establish security perimeters around federal property (e.g., courthouses) or during events.
– Offer training or intelligence sharing to civilian law enforcement.
– Conduct surveillance or reconnaissance to aid investigations (e.g., counterdrug ops).
– Respond to natural disasters or emergencies that indirectly reduce crime (e.g., post-riot cleanup).
– If Insurrection Act invoked: Suppress riots, restore order, or enforce federal laws (e.g., during a declared “rebellion” like the 1992 LA riots).
– Protect federal functions, officials, or property from violence (e.g., escorting federal agents).
– Temporary detention or crowd control if incidental to protecting federal interests.
– Federalize state Guard units under Title 10 if rebellion or federal law enforcement is needed.
– Use Title 32 for federally funded state missions if governor consents (e.g., D.C. Guard under presidential control).
– Deploy out-of-state Guard with governor approval or under Insurrection Act.
– Use non-lethal force for crowd control or self-defense if authorized.
– Receive specialized training for public order (per executive order).
Insurrection Act Threshold: Deployment for “crime” requires framing it as rebellion or obstruction of federal law; routine urban crime doesn’t qualify, per court rulings.
State Resistance: Governors can refuse Title 32 missions or challenge federalization, leading to lawsuits.
D.C. Exception: The D.C. Guard is always under presidential control and exempt from PCA in “militia” status, allowing broader enforcement there.
Risks: Even legal actions can erode civil-military relations, raise costs (prolonged deployments exceed $1M/day), and invite escalation, as seen in 2020 protests.
What the National Guard CANNOT legally Do………..
– Conduct routine arrests for local crimes (e.g., robbery, assault) without civilian oversight.
– Perform searches, seizures, or interrogations of civilians.
– Enforce state/local laws directly (e.g., traffic stops or patrolling neighborhoods for general crime).
– Federalize Guard in a state without consent or “rebellion” threshold (ruled illegal in 2025 CA case).
– Send Guard into non-consenting states for purely local crime without Insurrection Act.
– Use active-duty forces for civilian policing beyond federal protection.
– Engage in prolonged policing that escalates violence or targets communities (e.g., 2025 LA ruling cited improper crowd control).
– Act as a substitute for police in community policing or investigations.
Memphis is TN’s worst cancer. Hope it can be helped.