Tennessee Chancellor Blocks National Guard Deployment in Memphis, Rules Governor Lacked Emergency Authority

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal issued a temporary injunction on Nov. 17, 2025, blocking Gov. Bill Lee's National Guard deployment to Memphis for crime-fighting under Trump's directive. The chancellor ruled Lee had not established the "grave emergency" or "disaster" required under Tennessee's constitution and Military Code to call up the Guard. Troops had patrolled Memphis since Oct. 10. A 5-day stay allowed government appeal.