(LibertySociety.com) – The Biden administration has announced it will halt the sale of border wall materials following a court order secured by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The order blocks further disposal of unused materials for 30 days, allowing President-elect Trump to utilize them when his administration takes office next month.
The decision comes amid ongoing legal and political battles over border security and the controversial border wall project initiated during Trump’s first term. Since halting most construction in 2021, the Biden administration has faced criticism for auctioning off surplus materials, including steel bollards and construction supplies, through platforms like GovPlanet.com.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the ruling a significant victory. “We have successfully blocked the Biden Administration from disposing of any further border wall materials before President Trump takes office,” Paxton stated. “This follows our major victory forcing Biden to build the wall, and we will hold his Administration accountable for illegally subverting our nation’s border security until their very last day in power.”
The auctions of the materials had drawn sharp criticism from border hawks and House Republicans, who accused the administration of wasting taxpayer resources. Some lawmakers argued that the sales undercut the ability to resume construction and jeopardized national security.
Trump himself labeled the sales a “criminal act,” alleging they had cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Arizona officials confirmed that auctions were taking place regularly, even as plans for renewed construction under the incoming administration take shape.
The halted sales add another chapter to the contentious debate surrounding the border wall. When President Biden took office in January 2021, his administration quickly ended most construction after 450 miles had been completed under Trump. While Democrats have characterized the wall as ineffective and discriminatory, Republicans argue it is essential for curbing illegal immigration and securing the southern border.
The court order represents a temporary pause, giving the incoming Trump administration an opportunity to reassess and potentially repurpose the unused materials. Paxton warned that any violation of the order could result in legal consequences, including contempt charges.
The Biden administration has yet to issue a detailed response to the court’s decision but has previously defended its handling of border wall resources, maintaining that auctions and halts to construction were consistent with its policy priorities.
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