GOP senators increasingly back Trump’s National Guard plan for blue cities

By 
 updated on August 29, 2025

President Donald Trump’s bold move to deploy National Guard troops to crime-ridden Democratic Party strongholds is gaining traction among Senate Republicans, as Fox News reports. His plan targets cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, and Memphis, where violent crime has spiraled under progressive leadership. It’s a no-nonsense approach to restoring law and order where local officials have faltered.

Trump’s strategy follows his successful federalization of Washington, D.C.’s police and National Guard deployment to patrol its streets and Metro stations. Senate Republicans are rallying behind his push to extend this model to other Democrat-led cities plagued by high crime rates. Meanwhile, Democrat senators are crying foul, labeling it a power grab.

In Washington, D.C., Trump federalized local police and sent National Guard troops to tackle crime, setting a precedent for his broader agenda. His administration now eyes Chicago and Baltimore, both Democratic Party bastions struggling with violent crime. Senate Republicans see this as a necessary step to curb urban chaos.

Republican support grows

“Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) declared. Her enthusiasm reflects a growing GOP consensus that Trump’s tough-on-crime tactics are overdue. Progressive policies, they argue, have coddled criminals while leaving communities vulnerable.

Memphis, Tennessee’s largest city, is led by a Democrat mayor and ranks among the nation’s most violent. Sen. Blackburn’s support for National Guard intervention underscores the urgency felt by Republicans in red states with struggling blue cities. It’s a call to action against unchecked crime.

St. Louis, Missouri, another Democrat-led city, consistently ranks among the top 10 for violent crime nationwide. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has already collaborated with FBI Director Kash Patel to secure a surge of federal agents there. This infusion of resources is one of the largest per capita in the country.

Democrats push back

“Trump’s threats to invade our cities are not the answer,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) whined, dismissing the plan as a distraction from policy failures. His rhetoric reeks of the same tired excuses that have failed to secure Baltimore’s streets. Actions, not words, are what cities need now.

Van Hollen doubled down, urging Trump to “button it up” and let local law enforcement handle Baltimore’s issues. His plea ignores the reality that local leadership has failed to stem the tide of violence. Republican senators argue that federal intervention is a necessary wake-up call.

“Trump’s National Guard threat was nothing more than a power grab,” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) claimed, accusing the president of dictatorial overreach. Such hyperbole dodges the fact that Chicago’s crime rates demand drastic measures. Democrats’ resistance only emboldens criminals, critics say.

GOP eyes broader control

Republicans are mulling options to extend Trump’s federalization of D.C.’s police beyond the initial 30-day window. Some even suggest bypassing Congress to maintain control, a move that would solidify federal authority over local law enforcement. It’s a bold strategy to counter progressive leniency.

“American families want and deserve to feel safe,” Eric Schmitt stated, praising Trump’s decisive action. His support highlights the GOP’s belief that federal intervention can restore order where local leaders have failed. St. Louis’s crime stats back up his urgency.

Schmitt also hailed Trump’s D.C. efforts as “hugely successful,” suggesting other cities could benefit from similar measures. The contrast with Democratic-run cities, where crime festers under soft-on-crime policies, couldn’t be starker. Federal troops might just be the antidote.

Crime continues to plague blue strongholds

“For too long, local leaders in blue cities have been more focused on the rights of criminals than victims,” Schmitt said, hitting the nail on the head. His words echo the frustration of residents tired of progressive experiments that prioritize ideology over safety. Trump’s plan aims to flip that script.

“I support the Trump administration’s efforts to restore law and order in lawless cities,” Blackburn affirmed, pledging to work with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Her commitment signals a united GOP front against urban decay. Memphis residents, she insists, deserve better.

While Democrats clutch their pearls over Trump’s tactics, Senate Republicans see a clear path to safer cities. Trump’s National Guard deployments could mark a turning point for communities held hostage by crime. The question is whether progressives will stand in the way of progress.

About Alex Tanzer

STAY UPDATED

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive exclusive content directly in your inbox