Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has successfully obtained a court order preventing the Biden administration from auctioning off or disposing of border wall materials ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The order, confirmed on Dec. 27, follows allegations that the Biden administration was auctioning border wall segments for “pennies on the dollar,” potentially violating a previous court mandate requiring funds allocated for the wall’s construction to be used as intended.
Recommended Videos
The court order bars the disposal of materials, including bollard wall panels, gates, and drainage components, to non-federal entities until at least Feb. 1, 2025.
“This is a major win for Texas, border security, and the mandate the American people gave President Trump in November,” said Attorney General Paxton. “If the Biden Administration violates the court order, I will immediately act to stop any further efforts to subvert our national interest. From day one, Biden worked to throw open our borders, endangering American lives, and now we have halted his last second desperate attempt to undermine President-elect Trump.”
As Paxton’s court order temporarily halts further disposal, the Biden administration faces increased scrutiny over its handling of border wall resources. With the federal government’s compliance under watch, Texas officials remain prepared to intervene if the order is violated.
Background on the controversy
The controversy surrounding border wall materials began after Congress authorized their disposal in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. While some materials were transferred to states like Texas for border projects, others were auctioned through GovPlanet, with starting bids as low as $5.
Critics, including Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, accused the Biden administration of intentionally discarding usable materials to hinder future border wall construction.
Texas previously purchased $12 million worth of materials in 2024 to build additional border barriers. The state has expressed readiness to acquire more usable materials if made available, with assurances from GovPlanet that Texas would be notified of future auctions.
This story includes reporting from Ayden Runnels with the Texas Tribune.