In brief
President Trump, alongside Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, has established a task force aimed at reducing crime in Memphis. This initiative follows a similar campaign in Washington, D.C., despite opposition from Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who argues that local crime is already decreasing. Trump emphasizes the urgency of addressing the city's high rates of violent crime, while local sentiments toward the federal intervention remain mixed.
US President Donald Trump, joined by Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee, on Monday established a task force to take on crime in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Democratic-led city is the second to face a Trump administration crackdown on crime, following Washington DC. Trump has vowed to 'fix' the city after shelving plans for a similar operation in Chicago, reportedly due to opposition from local and state officials.
Memphis' mayor, Paul Young, also has voiced opposition to the plan, arguing that crime is already declining without federal intervention. The president stated that Memphis is 'overrun' with carjackings, robberies, and shootings.
At a memorandum-signing in the Oval Office, Trump said, 'We're not going to allow this kind of savagery to destroy our society anymore.' He plans to replicate the efforts seen in DC, activating federal agencies such as the National Guard, FBI, and others.
Despite support from Republican lawmakers in Tennessee, the plan has sparked concern among local residents and leaders. Mayor Young expressed his dissatisfaction and hopes to influence how federal forces engage in the community. The announcement follows weeks of speculation about where Trump would direct federal resources to tackle crime next.
