As Tennessee National Guard troops continue assisting communities in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti says the emergency effort demonstrates why the governor’s authority to deploy the Guard is critical as the state appeals a court ruling targeting the Memphis Safe Task Force deployment.
The storm, which brought heavy snow, ice, and widespread power outages across much of the state, prompted the deployment of National Guard personnel to 23 Tennessee counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
TEMA said guardsmen continue to work alongside county Emergency Management Agencies, as well as the U.S. and Tennessee Forestry Services, to clear roadways, assist stranded motorists, and help restore power to thousands of Tennesseans.
In a social media post addressing both the storm response and the broader legal challenge, Skrmetti emphasized the importance of preserving the governor’s ability to act quickly during emergencies.
Tennesseans needed help. We’re grateful the National Guard answered the call. If the constitutional challenge to their mission in Shelby County succeeds, this much needed assistance would be illegal. That’s why we’re fighting hard to protect the Governor’s authority to call out… https://t.co/z6CZj3neBE
— TN Attorney General (@AGTennessee) January 30, 2026
“Tennesseans needed help. We’re grateful the National Guard answered the call,” Skrmetti said.
“If the constitutional challenge to their mission in Shelby County succeeds, this much needed assistance would be illegal. That’s why we’re fighting hard to protect the Governor’s authority to call out the Guard,” he added.
Skrmetti’s comments come as the State of Tennessee has appealed a temporary injunction issued by Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Patricia Head Moskal, who ruled in November that Governor Bill Lee may have exceeded his authority when deploying the National Guard to Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.
The injunction has been stayed pending appeal, and the Tennessee Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments on March 5.
State officials have warned that if the injunction is upheld, it could restrict Lee and future Tennessee governors’ ability to deploy the National Guard not only for operations in Memphis, but also during future emergencies, including severe weather events such as Winter Storm Fern and other natural disasters.
The injunction has also drawn attention from federal officials, as it impacts the request from President Donald Trump for the Tennessee National Guard to assist local law enforcement operations in Memphis.
The U.S. Department of Justice has warned that restricting the governor’s authority could complicate future federal-state coordination, not only in crime-related operations but also during natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Tennessee National Guard” by Tennessee National Guard.
