MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) – President Donald Trump said Friday that the National Guard is coming to Memphis to address crime concerns.
Trump made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” claiming he has the support of both the mayor of Memphis and the Tennessee governor.
He said the city is “deeply troubled” and “we’re going to fix that just like we did Washington,” where he’s sent National Guard and surged federal law enforcement.
Trump’s announcement comes one day after Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, released a statement confirming he was informed this week that Republican Gov. Bill Lee and President Trump were considering the option, along with other resources.
But on Thursday, he addressed the president’s plans again, clarifying that he did not believe it was the right move for the city.
“I do not support the National Guard — however, they are coming. It’s not the mayor’s call,” Young said. “The mayor doesn’t have the say or the authority to stop them from coming. So my goal is to make sure that, as they come, that I have an opportunity to work with them to strategize on how they engage in this community.”
Questions remain on when the troops will arrive in the city. Young said he is in consultation with the governor to get answers.
“I don’t think the National Guard will be pulling people over, but those are things that we are going to have direct conversations about in the days and weeks to follow,” he said.
As far as the timing of the National Guard’s arrival, Young said “this isn’t happening tomorrow.”
Lee, meanwhile, had said Wednesday that he’s sending 50 more Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers to support the Memphis Police Department. Lee said a task force that includes the FBI is targeting the worst offenders.
“For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources,” Lee said. “While the FBI and THP operations continue, we are actively discussing the next phase of our strategy to accelerate the positive momentum that’s already underway, and nothing is off the table.”
Since sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, Trump has openly mused about sending troops to some of the nation’s most Democratic cities — including Chicago and Baltimore — claiming they are needed to crack down on crime.
Speaking on “Fox and Friends” on Friday, Trump said he “would have preferred going to Chicago,” where local politicians have fiercely resisted his plans, but he suggested it was a “hostile” place with “professional agitators.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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