MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — President Donald Trump says a recent decline in crime in Memphis is because of the work of federal agencies under him, and that a "no crime 'miracle'" would begin with the arrival of federal help.

"The only reason crime is somewhat down in Memphis is because the FBI, and others in the Federal Government, at my direction, have been working there for 5 months — on the absolutely terrible Crime numbers," he said in a statement reposted Saturday evening on a social media account associated with the White House.

"But the real work by us has barely begun. That happens after we make the official announcement that WE'RE COMING, and when we do that, as we did in now VERY SAFE WASHINGTON, D.C., the no crime "miracle" begins. ONLY I CAN SAVE THEM!!!," Trump wrote.

City leaders last week were touting crime numbers they said were at a 25-year low, and homicide at a six-year low, at the same time talk began mounting of a possible National Guard deployment in Memphis.

Barely three days later, Trump said in a Fox News interview that Memphis would be the next city to see a National Guard deployment similar to Washington, D.C.

The president said he made the decision after a FedEx board member suggested Memphis would be a good place to deploy troops, saying he was forced to ride in an armored vehicle in the city.

Trump has portrayed National Guard deployment as a response to rising crime, though D.C. city leaders also say their crime numbers have dropped in recent years.

An unscientific poll on WREG.com showed strong public support for the National Guard coming to the city to help battle crime -- 81% of respondents said "Bring 'em on," while 18% said "Keep 'em out."

Mayor Paul Young said he did not support National Guard troops in the city, but had no say in the matter. He did, however, welcome federal and state partnerships that would benefit the city.

Young said the troops could be used to help in blight cleanup projects in the city, and supplement the city's police force by coordinating crowds and traffic for Tigers and Grizzlies games.

"I think that as we have conversation, we can certainly find ways to use their support to back up the efforts of our Memphis Police Department and our Shelby County Sheriff's department," Young said in an MSNBC interview.

It's unclear exactly when the National Guard would arrive, and what they would be assigned to do.

“We are not going to see tanks rolling in the streets of Memphis. That’s not what it looks like,” said Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis). “We don’t know what jobs National Guard troops do, yet.  But what we want to do is find out.”

Gov. Bill Lee has said the Guard could assist an ongoing FBI operation in the city.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/trump-claims-credit-for-memphis-crime-decline-says-only-he-can-save-city/