President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that Atlanta could soon receive federal assistance to address crime, urging local leaders to “call me” and claiming his administration could “take care of Atlanta so fast.”

The comments came during a Black History Month reception in the White House’s East Room, an event intended to highlight Black American achievements and support.

Trump Teases Federal Help — Possibly National Guard Troops in Atlanta

In video footage from the event that quickly spread on social media, Trump repeatedly invoked the city while addressing the crowd:

“Atlanta. Atlanta. We could take care of Atlanta. I’ll tell you what, you oughta get them to call me. We could take care of Atlanta so fast. They don’t want to call. Don’t forget — we move people out.”

He framed the offer as help for a city that “needs” it, drawing applause from attendees. The remarks align with the administration’s broader push to deploy federal resources, including the National Guard, in high-crime Democratic-led cities.

The clip, first posted by journalist Aaron Rupar, has drawn sharp reactions in Atlanta. Some residents and officials view the comments as a welcome signal of support against persistent crime issues. Others see it as political posturing and potential federal overreach into a majority-Black, Democratic-led city just months before midterm elections.

Atlanta’s skyline at dusk — a city Trump now says needs urgent federal help.

The president’s reference to “we move people out” appears to echo his administration’s ongoing mass deportation efforts and use of federal agents to remove criminal illegal immigrants and repeat offenders from sanctuary jurisdictions.19

No formal request for National Guard assistance has been made by Georgia or Atlanta officials, and the White House has not announced any immediate deployment plans.

What’s next for Atlanta?
City leaders have not yet issued a public response. Residents on both sides of the aisle are watching closely to see whether this is campaign rhetoric ahead of the midterms — or the start of real federal involvement on Atlanta’s streets.

Stay with Atlanta News for updates as this story develops. Have thoughts on Trump’s comments? Let us know below.