President Donald Trump is taking credit for reducing crime in Democratic-led sanctuary cities, insisting that only he can deliver what he called “no crime miracles.”
“The only reason crime is somewhat down in Memphis is because the FBI, and others in the federal government, at my direction, have been working there for 5 months — on the absolutely terrible crime numbers; likewise, in Chicago and Los Angeles!” Trump posted on Truth Social, pointing to recent federal involvement in the city just a day after he announced on television that “we’re coming” to Memphis next.
“But the real work by us has barely begun. That happens after we make the official announcement that WE’RE COMING, and when we do that, as we did in now VERY SAFE WASHINGTON, D.C., the no crime ‘miracle’ begins.
“ONLY I CAN SAVE THEM!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT”
Trump has pledged to take on violent crime but continues to clash with Democratic leaders in states like Illinois and California. In places such as Tennessee, he faces fewer political obstacles. On the campaign trail, he has repeatedly argued that cities governed by Democrats are plagued with lawlessness.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, said that Trump’s televised statement the previous evening was the first time he received clear confirmation that the National Guard would be sent to the city to help fight crime.
Young explained to CNN that he first became aware the deployment was being considered when Republican Governor Bill Lee’s office notified him earlier in the week. He added that discussions continued throughout the following days, including talks about reinforcing law enforcement through federal agencies such as the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
During a Friday morning television interview, Trump described Memphis as “deeply troubled” and promised, “we’re going to fix that just like we did Washington,” referencing his earlier move to send in the National Guard and expand the federal law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital.
When asked directly if he had “hard confirmation” before Trump’s public declaration, Mayor Young answered: “No, that was the confirmation.”
Memphis police had reported earlier in the week that every major crime category showed declines in the first eight months of 2025 compared to previous years. According to the department, overall crime had dropped to a 25-year low, with murders falling to their lowest point in six years.
Still, the city has long struggled with gun-related violence. In 2023, Memphis experienced a record-setting 390 homicides.
Governor Lee has said details about how the Guard will be integrated into anti-crime efforts are still under discussion. His spokeswoman, Elizabeth Lane Johnson, noted that Lee spoke with Trump on Friday and will continue discussions in the coming week. Lee emphasized that the Guard’s involvement would add to the momentum of an existing FBI-led crackdown that has “already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders.”
Mayor Young said that questions remain about the number of troops, their duties, and the timeline for their arrival. He expects more clarity in the days ahead.
Young also rejected Trump’s claim that he was “happy” about the National Guard coming in. The mayor said he neither requested the deployment nor believes it will bring down crime. Nonetheless, he conceded that Memphis continues to appear on too many “bad lists” and, since the decision has already been made, he intends to “drive how they engage in our city.”
{Matzav.com}
