Mayor of Memphis

The President’s announcement that troops will occupy Tennessee communities is disappointing, anti-democratic, and violates American norms and possibly US laws. In the short term, the President’s incursion will likely cause confusion and fear in many of our communities, particularly the most vulnerable ones. In the long term, the mark of Tennessee communities being occupied by federal forces will hurt our state’s reputation for generations. Let’s be clear: the President sending troops to Tennessee will interfere and have a chilling effect on Tennesseans’ ability to exercise critical freedoms, such as the freedom to protest and the liberty to travel. We will do everything in our power to prevent this incursion into Tennessee and to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of every resident in our communities.

For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources. The next phase will include a comprehensive mission with the Tennessee National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies, and we are working closely with the Trump Administration to determine the most effective role for each of these agencies to best serve Memphians. 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. To further support this mission, I have authorized an additional Tennessee Highway Patrol surge in Shelby County, and THP continues to work closely with the Memphis Police Department through the Bluff City Task Force. I’ve been in close contact with the Administration throughout the week, and will be speaking with President Trump this afternoon to work out details of the mission. I’m grateful for the President’s unwavering support and commitment to providing every resource necessary to serve Memphians, and I look forward to working with local officials and law enforcement to continue delivering results. As one of America’s world-class cities, Memphis remains on a path to greatness, and we are not going to let anything hold them back.

Thanks to @realDonaldTrump for partnering with Tennessee and Memphis to make a difference. While Memphis has seen crime drop to below 2020 levels, the root cause, 100+ gangs, needs to be met with force and removed from the streets. I want to thank @GovBillLee for his voice and actions like the millions in additional state funding and personnel to crack down on crime and @MarshaBlackburn, @BillHagertyTN and @DavidKustoff for their powerful partnership to bring federal resources to make Memphis safer and for @mayorpaulyoung for his strong voice in supporting law enforcement and tackling crime.

Mr. President, 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.

In the days leading up to President Trump announcing that he is sending the National Guard to Memphis the Memphis Police Department released these crime statistics.

With Edmund Ford Jr. In the news it made me look into the family a little bit. Looks like City Council Member Edmund Ford Sr. Is a little bit behind on his property tax. To the tune of over $13,000

What is happening with the Memphis Shelby County School board is diabolical!

A board member brought new accusations against the MSCS superintendent after Feagins read a rebuttal to initial allegations. The meeting seemed to create more tension on an already divided board. My latest for Chalkbeat: chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2025…

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MSCS Superintendent Dr. Feagins enters the board auditorium to an applause from the crowd. #LetHerCook

Geoff Calkins: Whatever you think of the job Feagins has done, it can’t possibly be as bad as the job the board has done in trying to fire her. Instead of persuading the community that Feagins has to go, they have rallied the community to her side.  dailymemphian.com/article/49201

In a fiery and detailed rebuttal to claims of wrongdoing, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins called accusations from the school board “false.” For highlights from last night's MSCS meeting: youtu.be/y9Jfxfw8ggk?si…

NOLA PD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick was among several finalists for MPD chief four years ago.

Happy New Year, Memphis! This past year, we celebrated victories and faced challenges head-on. We worked to uplift our communities, support local businesses, and ensure that every Memphian feels seen, heard, and valued.

Memphians should stand in solidarity with the people of New Orleans during this tragic time. Our hearts be with the victims, their families, and the entire community. Together, we should stand strong against fear and violence.

Happy Thanksgiving Memphis!

The lack of return on investment on this venue is absurd.

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Please provide proof of these allegations. We are open to all documentation provided.

The 49-cent property tax hike is the last part of the budget package deal that includes the $12 hike in solid waste fee and auto registration fee hike going from $30 a year to $60 on passenger vehicles - increases for other vehicle categories too.