Border Wall Auctions: Legal Battle Heats Up
President Donald Trump and GOP leaders are challenging the Biden administration’s auctioning of unused border wall materials, accusing it of subverting congressional mandates and sabotaging future wall construction. Steel panels, auctioned at steep losses, have sparked legal actions from Texas and Missouri, which argue the sales may violate a court order barring repurposing funds allocated for the wall. Trump labels the auctions “possibly criminal” and vows to recover materials to extend the border wall. Texas officials plan to store acquired materials for Trump’s administration, emphasizing border security amid accusations of neglect and open-border policies under President Biden’s tenure.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Biden administration is auctioning unused border wall materials, prompting legal action and outrage from Texas, Missouri, and President-elect Donald Trump. Critics allege the sales are unlawful and aimed at sabotaging border security efforts.
Border Wall Panels Auctioned at Bargain Prices
- Hundreds of steel panels from the Defense Department are being sold via online auctions.
- Starting bids as low as $5 through GovPlanet, a defense surplus contractor.
- Auctions reportedly aim to clear out remaining materials before Christmas.
Legal Pushback: Trump and Texas Demand Action
- Trump filed an amicus brief calling the sales “possibly criminal.”
- Texas AG Ken Paxton seeks court orders to stop sales and investigate compliance with previous injunctions.
- Paxton claims sales defy a court ruling requiring materials to be used solely for wall construction.
“Shameful Sabotage,” Say GOP Critics
- Republicans argue the sales obstruct Trump’s mandate to build the wall.
- Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham vows to secure materials for future use.
- Sen. Bill Hagerty introduced legislation to block further auctions.
Biden Administration’s Defense
- Pentagon cites the National Defense Authorization Act for the disposal process.
- Officials say 60% of materials were transferred to states and agencies, with the remainder auctioned.
- Defense Department claims no authority to recall or stop the sales.
Trump’s Take: “This Is Sabotage”
- Trump called the sales “an almost criminal act.”
- Asserts it would cost double to rebuild the wall with new materials.
- Trump’s team, with Texas and Missouri’s support, plans to repurchase auctioned materials.
See our previous coverage of Trump’s recent remarks:
What’s Next?
The legal battle intensifies as GOP leaders rally to secure materials and prepare for Trump’s proposed border wall expansion.
And what we know is that we will need all the border security and deportation activity that we can get, according to Ben Bergquam’s most recent reporting: