Former President Donald Trump has taken legal action to halt the Biden administration’s disposal of unused border wall materials, escalating the ongoing debate over border security policies.
At a Glance
- Trump filed an amicus brief to stop the sale of border wall materials
- Texas Republicans postponed the auction of materials until after Trump takes office
- Trump claims the sales violate federal law and Congressional authority
- The Biden administration cites the National Defense Authorization Act for justification
- Border wall construction remains a key issue in Trump’s potential re-election campaign
Trump’s Legal Challenge Against Biden’s Border Wall Material Sales
Former President Donald Trump has filed an amicus brief in the Southern District of Texas, supporting efforts by Texas and Missouri to stop the Biden administration from selling unused border wall materials. The legal move comes amid growing tension between Trump’s border security policies and the current administration’s approach to immigration control.
Trump’s legal team argues that the sale of these materials, initially intended for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, infringes on federal law and Congressional authority. The former president has labeled the Biden administration’s actions as “possibly criminal,” citing reports of materials being sold at drastically reduced prices.
Donald Trump says he plans to take legal action to stop the Biden administration from selling unused materials for the Mexico border wall https://t.co/PVB7fnBM64
— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) December 16, 2024
Texas Republicans Rally Against Border Wall Material Auction
The auction of border wall materials has sparked outrage among Texas Republicans, who view it as an attempt to undermine Trump’s plans to resume wall construction. In response to the controversy, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has taken action to delay the sale.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham have joined the legal effort to challenge the sale, claiming it violates a federal court order. The state has already invested $12 million in materials for wall construction, demonstrating its commitment to border security measures.
Trump’s Accusations and Legal Strategy
In his amicus brief, Trump calls for an immediate halt to the ongoing sales and a thorough judicial review of the government’s conduct. The former president alleges that the Biden administration is selling materials at “five cents on the dollar,” which he considers “almost a criminal act.”
“President Trump is deeply troubled by recent reports that officials in the Biden Administration have been selling off border-wall materials at rock-bottom prices, especially during this lame-duck period,” a Newsweek report stated.
Trump’s Communications Director, Steven Cheung, supports the legal action, citing what they perceive as unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Biden administration. The move aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to enhance border security and resume wall construction if re-elected.
Biden Administration’s Stance and Republican Response
The Biden administration has been auctioning off border wall parts since 2023, following the halt of most border wall construction in 2021. They cite the National Defense Authorization Act as justification for their actions. However, the Defense Department claims it has no legal authority to recall or stop the resale of materials sold through GovPlanet auctions.
Republicans in Congress, including Sen. Bill Hagerty, have expressed outrage and introduced legislation to halt the auctions. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suggested that the state could construct wall segments for the Trump administration if federally funded, showcasing the state’s willingness to support stringent border control measures.
