President Donald Trump announced the formation of a federal task force to address crime in Memphis, Tennessee, making it the second city to receive federal intervention following Washington, D.C.
The announcement came during a memorandum-signing ceremony in the Oval Office this week, where Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee joined Trump.
"We're not going to allow this kind of savagery to destroy our society anymore," President Donald Trump declared as he signed the order.
Memphis Crime Statistics
Memphis reported significant crime numbers in 2024, recording 249 murders, 429 rapes, 5,616 burglaries, and 12,522 violent assaults. The city had the highest violent crime rate and the highest property crime rate in the United States, along with the third-highest murder rate.
Memphis's total crime rate of 9,400.3 per 100,000 residents is more than three times the national average, 343.6% above the national rate, as reported in recent data. The city's murder rate of 40.6 per 100,000 residents is approximately four times higher than Mexico City, 27 times higher than Havana, Cuba, and 37 times higher than London, England.
Violent crime in Memphis increased in 2024, contrary to trends seen in many other cities.
Federal Response
Trump explained that the Memphis task force will follow the same approach currently being used in Washington, D.C. The operation will bring together several federal agencies, including the National Guard, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Justice.
"Today, President Trump signed a Memorandum to restore LAW and ORDER in the city!" The White House shared.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has expressed opposition to the plan, stating that crime is already declining without federal intervention.
“I did not ask for the National Guard,” the mayor emphasized.
Broader Implications
Despite local opposition, Trump has found support from political allies like Kari Lake, who praised the initiative.
"Memphis has so much to offer, but it's suffering badly under crime. I'm looking forward to watching President Trump clean up Memphis, just as he has done in D.C., delivering law-abiding citizens a safe and livable city again," she shared on social media.
The Memphis operation reflects the administration's extended strategy for addressing increasing crime. This federal task force emphasizes the growing trend of federal involvement in local law enforcement as cities across America face rising crime rates.
