MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The City of Memphis is gearing up for President Donald Trump’s visit on Monday, where he will participate in a roundtable discussion centered on the Memphis Safe Task Force, as announced by the White House.
This event is scheduled to commence at noon at the Tennessee Air National Guard Base, situated within the Memphis International Airport.
Airport representatives have assured that operations will continue as usual.
“We anticipate minimal impact from any flight restrictions,” stated Glen Thomas, the Public Information Officer. “Travelers are advised to verify their flight details directly with the airlines to ensure they have the most current information.”
The exact timing of the president’s arrival in Memphis isn’t clear; however, the official White House schedule indicates he’ll be back in Washington, D.C. by 2:30 p.m. CT.
“President Trump will visit Memphis, Tennessee on Monday to highlight the incredible achievements of the Memphis Safe Task Force,” said Liz Huston, White House spokeswoman. “Under President Trump’s leadership, federal and state officials are working together successfully to remove criminals from the streets and make Memphis safe again.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Memphis Safe Task Force is delivering remarkable results to enhance public safety. Gov. Lee is grateful for the unprecedented collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and looks forward to welcoming the President to Tennessee,” said Elizabeth Johnson, Governor Lee’s Director of Communications.
According to the Memphis Police Department, they are working with all levels of law enforcement in preparation for the visit.
“We are coordinating with our local, state, and federal partners to support any requests for a safe visit. While specific operational details will not be released, any traffic impacts or other public disruptions will be shared on MPD’s website and social media platforms,” the department said in a statement.
While Monday will mark his first stop in Memphis as president, Donald Trump has made his rounds through the Mid-South, making a 2016 campaign stop in Millington.
The Republican Party of Shelby County is hosting a welcome party and are asking supporters to bring flags and signs. They will be demonstrating from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the northeast corner of Poplar Avenue and Ridgeway Road in front of the Regalia Shopping Center.
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen is scheduled to speak at his downtown Odell Horton Federal Building office on Monday at 10 a.m. to address President Trump’s visit.
Cohen released a statement in advance of Trump’s visit, in part, he said:
“With everything going on in the world – war in Iran and its disruption of oil shipments and gas price spikes, war in Ukraine, and who knows what in Venezuela and Cuba – the President has decided it’s a good time to come to Memphis and talk about the Memphis Safe Task Force.
“I was and remain concerned about the image the surge in federal manpower and the presence of the National Guard sends the country, and its effect on local tourism and business generally. Crime is going down but it had been declining before the task force arrived thanks to the cooperative efforts of Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief Cerelyn Davis. In fact, crime is down worldwide.
“It is a bad idea for him make a hasty visit to Memphis now given the worldwide crises he has caused or worsened.”
Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson will join a coalition of community organizations for a No Trump, No ICE, No Unsafe Task Force Rally on Monday at 11 a.m. at Shelby Crossing, located at 6100 Macon Road.
Pearson released the following statement ahead of Trump’s visit to Memphis:
“We knew from the outset that this authoritarian, political stunt would not benefit Memphis. This political stunt has violated the civil rights of residents, drained precious city and county resources, strained our criminal justice system, fostered more distrust in government and tarnished the reputation of our city. This is nothing more than political theater and a distraction at the expense of a majority Black, democratically-run city in a red state. We need poverty eradication, not military occupation. This visit is unwarranted and unwelcome and does not honor our city.”
Nexstar’s WREG will have team coverage of the presidential visit—from Air Force One watch, to live coverage of the roundtable discussion, including a rally happening in protest of Trump’s visit.
