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President Trump signed a memorandum on September 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C. that will send members of the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies to Memphis, Tenn. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

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Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

National Guard deployments

Trump is deploying the National Guard to Memphis. Experts worry it's becoming normal

September 18, 2025 • The president signed an order earlier this week to send Tennessee state National Guard troops, along with officials from various federal departments and agencies, into Memphis, in an effort to fight crime. It's one of several U.S. cities Trump has singled out for such a move, testing the limits of presidential power and military force.

Trump is sending troops to Memphis

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Emmitt Martin III, a former Memphis police officer (second from left) walks into federal court on Aug. 23 in Memphis, Tenn. Martin testified Tuesday that he punched a “helpless” Tyre Nichols. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

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George Walker IV/AP

National

Former officer testifies he beat a 'helpless' Tyre Nichols then lied about it

September 17, 2024 • Emmitt Martin III testified that he punched the 29-year-old Black man at least five times while two Memphis police colleagues held his arms and said “hit him."