President Donald Trump clashed with a reporter on Friday in the Oval Office after being pressed on his plans for Memphis.
Ebony McMorris, a White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, asked about Trump’s decision to send the National Guard into the city. The president had already sent troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and she wanted details on how Memphis would be handled.
“When are you going to give details—” McMorris began.
Trump cut her off. “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious,” he said.
McMorris pushed back. “I’m not obnoxious, but I’m trying to ask you about your plans for Memphis,” she responded. She repeated the question as Trump spoke over her.
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He then told her, “I’m not going to talk to you until I call on you.” McMorris was never called on again.
“When will we get details on MEMPHIS?”
Trump: “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious.”
“I’m not obnoxious. I’m trying to ask you about your plans for Memphis.” pic.twitter.com/cnKbOqwbME
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) September 19, 2025
Only days earlier, Trump had snapped at another reporter. John Lyons of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation asked if it was “appropriate” for the president to be so involved in business while in office. Trump quickly dismissed him.
“In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me,” Trump said.
He even added that he would raise the issue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “I’m going to tell them about you. You set a very bad tone.”
Meanwhile, Trump has already moved forward in Memphis. On Monday, joined by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, he signed an order creating a new federal task force. It combines the National Guard with the FBI, U.S. marshals, immigration authorities, and other agencies.
Trump defended the decision. “It’s very important because of the crime that’s going on in many cities, not only in Memphis, and we’re going to take care of all of them. Step by step, just like we did in D.C.,” he said.
But Memphis leaders are uneasy. Mayor Paul Young said he was not asked for input. He told CNN he was “certainly not happy” with the plan but hoped to influence how troops are used.
“With regards to the National Guard, it is something that we don’t have a choice in, and we’re going to do all we can to ensure it has limited impact on our community,” Young said.
Some residents worry the move could bring the same problems seen in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this year, National Guard soldiers there were so underused that they began taking on small local projects to stay busy. Many locals were uncomfortable with the long-term military presence in their neighborhoods.
Even so, Trump’s team insists the Memphis plan is popular. His aides have described it as a “long-overdue lifeline” for the city.
Featured image via X screengrab
