Tennessee judge blocks deployment of National Guard in Memphis

Source: NPR

November 17, 2025 11:10 PM ET


MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge on Monday night blocked the use of the National Guard in Memphis under a crimefighting operation by President Donald Trump but also put the order on hold, giving the government five days to appeal.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal's decision sides with Democratic state and local officials who sued, contending that Republican Gov. Bill Lee cannot deploy the Tennessee National Guard for civil unrest unless there is rebellion or invasion, and even then, it would require action by state lawmakers.

The plaintiffs also said another provision spells out a need for a request from a local government to use the Guard in some scenarios, including a "breakdown of law and order," they said. The state has said Tennessee law gives the governor "the authority to dispatch the Guard when needed and to determine when that need exists."

In a statement posted on X, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a plaintiff in the case, said he is pleased with the decision. "The injunction does not take effect immediately, and the state has a chance to seek leave to appeal," he wrote. "However, this is a positive step toward ensuring the rule of law applies to everyone, including everyday Tennesseans and even the Governor."

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/17/nx-s1-5611530/national-guard-memphis-judge-ruling

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This was done in state court and it's miraculous and heartening that TN hasn't been completely consumed in the lunatic RW fringe.

Link to Democracy Forward PRESS RELEASE - Tennessee Court Blocks Unlawful National Guard Deployment in Memphis

Link to original SUIT (PDF) - https://democracyforward.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=746a6e1ba41e13bbe0a2bfd40&id=c19ded0ed5&e=a14ead90aa

Link to ORDER (PDF) - https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/25-1461-I-Harris-v.-Lee-Order-on-Temp-Inj.pdf