President Donald Trump made a visit to Memphis on March 23, 2026, to spotlight the achievements of the Memphis Safe Task Force. The multi-agency initiative, approaching its six-month operational mark, has been credited by the White House with significant reductions in crime, including thousands of arrests and the seizure of numerous firearms. The visit also coincided with ongoing discussions about national security and President Trump’s approval ratings.
The Memphis Safe Task Force comprises the National Guard and over a dozen federal agencies, including the FBI and DEA. Since its deployment, the task force has been visible patrolling Memphis. While the duration of the full surge of federal agencies is uncertain, the operation is intended to continue in some form indefinitely. The initiative has also involved significant immigration enforcement efforts.
President Trump’s visit was expected to cause some disruptions, including temporary flight restrictions over Memphis. While specific security details were not released, the Memphis Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol cited safety concerns for withholding information. The visit also sparked organized rallies, with the Republican Party of Shelby County hosting a welcome event and Indivisible Memphis planning a protest, citing concerns about the task force’s impact on specific communities.
The visit took place as President Trump’s national approval ratings have been a subject of discussion, with polls indicating a net negative approval. The ongoing conflict with Iran has also been cited as a factor influencing public opinion. In contrast, his approval within Tennessee remains stronger, with a majority of residents expressing support for his job performance. Polling data also revealed demographic breakdowns of his approval ratings across age, education, gender, party affiliation, and race.
One notable aspect of the visit was the invitation extended to Dalisia Ballinger, a Memphis mother who gained attention for her public support of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Ballinger shared her experience of witnessing a significant reduction in crime and increased safety in her neighborhood, allowing her children to play outside without fear. Her story was highlighted as an example of the task force’s positive impact, and she was slated to participate in a closed-door roundtable discussion with the President on crime suppression strategies.