Memphis Model Shows Crime Can Drop With Federal Cooperation
President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force reduced violent crime by 42% in one year, offering a blueprint for safer cities.
2 min read
Violent crime is not an unavoidable consequence of city life, according to President Donald Trump, who highlighted Memphis as a model for nationwide safety improvements. After deploying federal agencies to the city one year ago, Memphis has seen a dramatic reduction in violent crime, with over 13,500 arrests and more than 2,270 weapons seized. The city’s violent crime rate has dropped by 42%, the largest decrease in the nation.
Success Through Collaboration
The Memphis Safe Task Force, launched in 2024, has made significant strides in restoring safety to the city. Over 196 missing children have been returned to their families, and the task force has made over 500 arrests in its first few months. The operation involves 33 federal and state agencies working together, marking a unique example of intergovernmental cooperation.
Before the task force’s arrival, Memphis ranked among the top cities for homicides and violent crime per capita. From 2020 to 2024, the city averaged 344 homicides annually, with a peak of 428 in 2023. In 2024, Memphis ranked first in per capita violent crime among cities with a population over 100,000.
Real Impact on Residents
The success of the task force has been felt by Memphians, including a mother who now feels safe enough for her children to play in their yard. Before the task force, a house just four doors away was shot up so severely that its residents left the neighborhood. Weeds have overtaken the house, a stark reminder of the city’s previous state.
Contrast with Minneapolis
Memphis’s success contrasts sharply with Minneapolis, where violent crime has risen by 12% in the year since President Trump warned of sending the National Guard. Minneapolis leaders opposed federal intervention, and the city’s crime rate has worsened as a result. This highlights the importance of political will and collaboration in addressing public safety issues.
A Blueprint for the Nation
President Trump argues that the Memphis model is available to any city willing to take action. The key is for political leaders at all levels to recognize that safety is not optional and that Americans should not have to flee their neighborhoods to find it. The task force demonstrates what is possible when federal, state, and local authorities work together to solve a problem.
Source: Daily Wire
