Trump Touts Crime Crackdown in Memphis Visit

President's focus shifts from Iran war to law-and-order ahead of midterm elections

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:03pm

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Four weeks into the Iran war, U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday to highlight his crime crackdown and bolster his party ahead of November midterm elections. Trump's expected tough talk on crime and immigration marks a return to an issue he hopes will resonate with voters as he faces high-stakes military decisions and war-driven economic uncertainty.

Why it matters

The surge of federal agents to Memphis started in September, with the city having the highest rate of violent crime per capita in the country. Trump hopes highlighting the crime reduction will help bring the conversation back to political territory that his party has often embraced in the past, as he tries to redefine his law enforcement record after the tumultuous crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year.

The details

Overall crime is down in Memphis about 43% compared to last year, according to local law enforcement data. The task force said it has made close to 7,000 arrests and seized almost 1,100 illegal firearms since the crackdown began. Republicans hope that highlighting a crime reduction in a large city will help bring the conversation back to political territory that their party has often embraced in the past.

  • The surge of thousands of federal agents to Memphis started in September 2025.
  • Trump will visit Memphis on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Kimberly Jenkins

A 55-year-old hospital administrator visiting Memphis from Houston, Texas.

Darius O'Neal

A 33-year-old law student in Memphis.

Dewayne Hambrick

A 60-year-old Memphis photographer who considers himself a Democrat.

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What they’re saying

“We're in a war that we know nothing about, and we really do make a decent salary, but gas is getting too expensive for us.”

— Kimberly Jenkins, hospital administrator

“The crazy presence of National Guard and ramped-up police is only in the predominant tourist areas.”

— Darius O'Neal, law student

“I think it's been great that the law enforcement is here.”

— Dewayne Hambrick, Memphis photographer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.